Antonio Rüdiger and Endrick have returned to training.

Real Madrid continued their intense preseason preparations on Wednesday as José Mourinho welcomed two more key players back to training following the club’s convincing 4-1 victory over Leganés in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Valdebebas.

The Spanish giants have been steadily rebuilding their full squad after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with international players returning in phases. Wednesday marked another important step in that process as Antonio Rüdiger and Endrick officially reported back for duty.

Both players arrived at Real Madrid’s training complex in the morning, where they first underwent the club’s routine medical examinations before taking part in their first training session alongside the rest of Mourinho’s squad. Their return gives the Portuguese coach two more important options as preparations intensify ahead of the new campaign.

Rüdiger, one of the leaders of Madrid’s defense, is expected to play a crucial role this season after another demanding year with both club and country. His experience and leadership will be valuable as Mourinho continues shaping a defense that has already been strengthened this summer.

Meanwhile, Endrick begins what many believe could be a decisive campaign in his young career. The Brazilian forward returns determined to earn more playing time after showing flashes of his enormous potential. With Real Madrid adding significant attacking talent during the transfer window, competition for places will be fierce, making every preseason session particularly important for the teenager.

The duo joins several other international stars who have already resumed training at Valdebebas, including Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, and new signing Denzel Dumfries, who recently completed his move from Inter Milan. Their presence has allowed Mourinho to increase the intensity of training while gradually implementing his tactical ideas ahead of the upcoming season.

The Real Madrid squad is expected to become even stronger over the coming days. Vinícius Júnior, Bernardo Silva, Brahim Díaz, and Thibaut Courtois are all scheduled to return soon after completing their post-World Cup holidays. Their arrival will provide Mourinho with nearly his full first-team squad as preparations enter their decisive phase.

However, not everyone will be back immediately. Summer signings Ibrahima Konaté and Marc Cucurella have been granted additional rest following their international commitments. French stars Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni are also expected to rejoin the team a little later, allowing them extra recovery time before beginning preseason work.

Endrick et Antonio Rüdiger sont de retour ! pic.twitter.com/j2tdn4YpNt

— Edition Merengue (@EditionMerengue) July 29, 2026

Real Madrid have several important fixtures scheduled before the start of the new league campaign, giving Mourinho valuable opportunities to evaluate his squad and build chemistry among both established stars and new arrivals.

Real Madrid Preseason Schedule

• August 1 (6:00 PM): Real Madrid vs Fiorentina (Friendly)
• August 8 (7:00 PM): Ferencváros vs Real Madrid (Friendly)
• August 12 (9:00 PM): Deportivo vs Real Madrid (Trofeo Teresa Herrera)
• August 16 (5:00 PM): Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid (Friendly)
• August 22 (9:30 PM): Espanyol vs Real Madrid (La Liga)
• August 26 (9:00 PM): Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (La Liga)
• August 30 (5:00 PM): Real Madrid vs Málaga (La Liga)

With more international stars returning every week and several high-profile summer signings already integrated into the squad, Mourinho’s Real Madrid project is beginning to take shape. The coming friendlies will offer supporters their first real glimpse of what could be one of the most ambitious and competitive Madrid squads assembled in recent years as the club prepares to challenge for every major trophy in the 2026–27 season.