Their 15th Champions League crown in May and sixth title in 11 years might not have seemed distinguishable to others inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema previously.
Yet their dominance and supremacy, despite rivals possessing comparable resources and advantages over domestic rivals, appeared destined to approach a third decade. Particularly when they signed, for all the agent fees and signing bonuses, Kylian Mbappe for "free".
One of the defining players of a generation, in theory yet to reach his prime, added to the greatest team in Europe. His blockbuster signing, which reportedly included a staggering €150m (£127m) signing-on fee, initially projected a gloomy outlook for fans hoping for an unpredictable scrap for the greatest prize in European football in the coming years.
Real Madrid are a machine, and not just on the pitch, having built a new coliseum in what is perhaps the greatest sporting arena in the world, and capable of maximising the club's revenue. Indeed, Florentino Perez always has a contingency plan to extend their dominance, no matter the inevitable end to these legendary players previously mentioned.
Take Toni Kroos, too, who bowed out with grace in May; the German maestro floated across the Wembley turf one last time in club football to ensure Borussia Dortmund left with regret.
Yet tears of joy flowed, not sadness or anxiety about the prospect of replacing perhaps the greatest midfielder of a generation.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 25, 2024 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 25, 2024 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'I want to prove that Garcia took nothing out of me'
On a rare trip to the UK, Devin Haney speaks to Alex Pattle about itching to fight again and how his father inspires him
If only Arteta's Norwegian would get back on song...
Yet to score from open play this season, Martin Odegaard's woes in front of goal is central to Arsenal's declining threat
Alexander-Arnold shines as Reds dominate Accrington
Trent Alexander-Arnold's future is likelier to involve Real Madrid than Accrington Stanley.
No mercy as City dismantle minnows in return to form
Jack Grealish needed that.
Daughter of Pelicot says her father 'must die in prison'
The daughter of Dominique Pelicot has said her father must die in prison as she described the \"crushing double burden\" of being the child of a convicted rapist and his victim, her mother.
Thousands protest against far-right rally in Germany
Thousands of people demonstrated against a convention held by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) yesterday as political parties launched their campaigns for next month's national election.
Harry and Meghan help give aid to wildfire victims
Prince Harry and Meghan have been seen supporting the victims of the California wildfires, as they distributed aid to those affected.
What caused fire hydrants to run dry in Los Angeles?
As Los Angeles battles multiple fast-moving wildfires, emergency officials have faced a nightmare sitaution: fire hydrants that have run out of water.
Ukraine captures North Korean soldiers in Kursk
Two men in their 20s, both badly injured, are being held as prisoners of war as Russia makes significant gains in Donetsk
Piper opts for artificial eye 16 years after acid attack
TV presenter Katie Piper has revealed she is trying out an \"artificial eye\" more than 16 years on from an acid attack that left her with life-changing burns and partial blindness.
