How the Dressing Room of Big Football Stars is Not Killing Real Madrid

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20 Sept 2024

Real Madrid, one of the most decorated football clubs in history, has long been a magnet for superstar players. From the Galácticos era of Zidane, Beckham, and Ronaldo to today's roster featuring names like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, the club’s dressing room has always been filled with football royalty.
But while some would argue that housing so many egos under one roof might lead to disaster, Real Madrid has managed to remain not only relevant but dominant in European football.

What’s the secret? It’s a careful balance of leadership, a strategic approach to managing personalities, and a strong culture that keeps the club afloat. Rather than being torn apart by egos, Real Madrid thrives in a highly competitive environment where success is both expected and achieved.

Leadership and Management at the Core

At the heart of Real Madrid’s resilience is strong leadership, both on and off the pitch. The role of the manager cannot be overstated.

From the firm hand of Vicente del Bosque to the tactical genius of Zinedine Zidane, and now the experience of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s managers have historically managed to keep the dressing room unified, despite the pressure of handling world-class talent.

Clear Communication: Managers at Real Madrid have been known for their ability to communicate clearly with their players. Rather than letting cliques and factions develop, they ensure transparency in decisions about playing time, team strategy, and discipline.
Adaptability: Whether it’s Zidane’s approach of giving space to veteran stars or Ancelotti’s more hands-on style, managers have shown adaptability in dealing with different player personalities. This flexibility allows them to control the dressing room without stifling the individuality of their players.

Leadership also extends to key players who act as de facto leaders in the squad. For years, captain Sergio Ramos was a figure who commanded respect both in the dressing room and on the field. His leadership has passed to the next generation with players like Karim Benzema, who leads by example, fostering a collective sense of responsibility rather than divisive competition.

The Strength of a Unified Culture

Real Madrid’s success is deeply rooted in its culture, a culture that has been ingrained in every player who walks through its doors.

It’s a club with a storied history, where success is expected, and anything less is considered failure. This mindset is pivotal in preventing dressing room rifts from developing into bigger problems.

Accountability: Players at Real Madrid understand that they are not only accountable to their teammates but also to the legacy of the club. When you join a team that has won more Champions League titles than any other club, personal agendas take a back seat to team success. This level of expectation helps keep even the biggest stars in check.
No Player Above the Club: A phrase often heard around the Santiago Bernabéu is that no player is bigger than the club. This mantra has been enforced for decades. From the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to the handling of Gareth Bale’s decline, Real Madrid has always been willing to make tough decisions when a player’s ego threatens the harmony of the team.

Real Madrid has also embraced a multicultural dressing room, with players from various backgrounds uniting under the club's banner. This diversity brings different perspectives and reduces the chance of insular cliques forming. It also fosters a healthy competitive atmosphere where players push each other to be their best, rather than letting rivalries turn toxic.

Managing Star Personalities: A Delicate Balance

The notion that having too many stars in one team will create conflict is a common narrative in football. However, Real Madrid has found ways to balance personalities by setting clear boundaries and ensuring everyone knows their role in the squad.

Defined Roles: While it’s true that stars expect to play, Real Madrid’s managers make it clear that being a part of this prestigious club means adhering to the collective good. Stars are assigned roles where they can shine but also contribute to the team’s objectives.
Managing Expectations: While managing players like Ronaldo or Benzema might seem daunting, part of Real Madrid’s success lies in its ability to manage expectations. Even when stars demand more game time, the coaching staff and management keep egos in check by fostering a culture of meritocracy. Perform well, and you will be rewarded; fall behind, and the team will move on without you.
Internal Competitions: There is no complacency at Real Madrid. The presence of top-tier players at every position ensures that there is always internal competition. But instead of this leading to dressing room tensions, it serves as motivation for players to perform at their peak. The likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo know they must consistently improve to secure their places in the starting eleven, which creates a positive competitive atmosphere.

The Role of the Club’s Hierarchy

Behind every great football club is a powerful hierarchy, and at Real Madrid, the president and board members play a critical role in maintaining dressing room harmony. Florentino Pérez, the club’s long-time president, has played a pivotal role in bringing in star players, but he has also been instrumental in setting the tone from above.

Firm Decision-Making: Pérez and his board have never been afraid to make bold decisions, whether it’s selling a fan-favorite player or parting ways with a manager who is underperforming. This decisiveness ensures that dressing room unrest is not allowed to fester.
Strategic Recruitment: Real Madrid's recruitment strategy is another crucial factor in keeping the dressing room under control. The club targets players who not only have immense talent but also fit into the ethos of the team. As seen with signings like Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, the club is investing in players with high potential who are eager to learn and grow within the club’s structure, ensuring that the squad remains balanced both in terms of talent and character.

Conclusion

While many football clubs have been brought down by dressing room egos and internal politics, Real Madrid has not only survived but thrived, even with some of the biggest stars in the world on its roster. The key to their success lies in strong leadership, a unified culture that emphasizes the collective good, and a firm club hierarchy that ensures no individual is bigger than the team. Far from killing Real Madrid, the dressing room of big football stars is actually the engine that keeps this football giant on top.