Who are the big winners of Real Madrid’s pre-season?

Real Madrid’s pre-season has allowed José Mourinho to test his ideas and given several players the opportunity to strengthen their position ahead of the start of the La Liga campaign.

José Mourinho has imposed a particularly demanding preparation programme on Real Madrid, including several double training sessions. According to journalist Guillermo Rai, the heavy workload may partly explain the moments of fatigue seen among some players during the friendly matches.

That makes the performances of those who managed to maintain a high level even more impressive. Several Madrid players have clearly used these opening weeks to improve their status within Mourinho’s squad.

Bernardo Silva becoming a key figure in midfield

🚨 Bernardo Silva est l'un des RARES joueurs ayant déjà GAGNÉ la CONFIANCE de José Mourinho. ✅⭐️

👀 Bernardo est TRÈS estimé par le staff technique.@GuillermoRai_ pic.twitter.com/7CWzr7wltU

— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) August 17, 2026

Bernardo Silva has probably been one of the biggest winners of pre-season. The Portuguese midfielder, who arrived this summer, has regularly been deployed in a deeper position, particularly as part of the double pivot, and his performances have impressed Mourinho.

Against Deportivo, Bernardo completed 40 passes from 40 attempts, recovered the ball three times and did not lose possession once during the first half. According to The Athletic, his ability to operate under pressure, protect possession and dictate the tempo gives Real Madrid something different in midfield.

His partnership with Federico Valverde against Schalke 04 also appeared particularly convincing. The pair could now begin the league campaign together in Mourinho’s double pivot, turning Bernardo into much more than a rotation option.

Arda Güler has taken another step forward

Arda Güler is another major winner from the summer. Frequently used centrally, the Turkish international has been given greater responsibility and has looked especially comfortable playing behind the striker.

His technical quality and ability to find space between the lines fit Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system perfectly. Against Schalke, he was decisive again, delivering the corner from which Dean Huijsen scored Madrid’s second goal.

Jude Bellingham’s return may push Güler towards the bench initially, but his performances have shown that he can play an important role throughout the season.

Camavinga sends a reassuring message

Eduardo Camavinga’s pre-season has been less spectacular but equally encouraging. The Frenchman has started almost every friendly and has regularly played an important role in Mourinho’s midfield.

His energy, resistance to pressing and ability to carry the ball forward help Madrid gain territory while maintaining balance. Although he may not begin the season as a starter, Camavinga is emerging as a high-quality alternative capable of making a difference from the bench.

Diomandé makes an immediate impression

Yan Diomandé has also made a strong impression despite limited playing time. The Ivorian arrived later than most of his teammates and only made his Real Madrid debut against Schalke 04.

Yet his numbers were impressive: five recoveries, six successful ground duels from six, nine completed passes from nine and three successful dribbles from five attempts.

Beyond the statistics, reports suggest that people inside Real Madrid’s training centre are already excited by his qualities. Mourinho is particularly interested in the youngster’s ability to bring directness and creativity in wide areas.

Carlos Espí, the surprise package

Carlos Espí has arguably been the most unexpected revelation of pre-season. The young striker has scored twice, against Ferencváros and Schalke.

Against the German side, he came off the bench before heading home Álvaro Carreras’ cross for Madrid’s third goal. His profile gives Mourinho something different: a more traditional number nine who can occupy defenders, attack crosses and offer a focal point against deep defensive blocks.

Ciria and Rivas seize their opportunity

Academy players Alexis Ciria and Mario Rivas have also impressed. At just 18, Ciria has shown courage and creativity, scoring against Fiorentina before providing an assist against Ferencváros.

Rivas also took advantage of his opportunity, starting against Ferencváros and scoring with a diving header. Neither youngster is expected to immediately change the hierarchy, but both have significantly improved their standing.

Huijsen confirms his quality as Dumfries challenges Trent

Dean Huijsen has reinforced the positive impressions surrounding him. Solid defensively, comfortable in possession and dangerous from set pieces, he also scored against Schalke.

Meanwhile, Denzel Dumfries has demonstrated his offensive qualities with powerful forward runs and a strong presence in the box. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has gradually improved throughout pre-season and remains extremely influential in Madrid’s build-up play.

With a demanding schedule ahead, Mourinho will need his entire squad. And that may ultimately be one of Real Madrid’s greatest strengths this season: even when key starters are unavailable, the depth of the squad appears strong enough to maintain a very high level.