Fede Valverde arrived in 2016 from Uruguay to Real Madrid, and nine years later, he has become one of the biggest idols of the fans for the love and dedication he shows toward the crest in every match. A mutual affection that Valverde himself wanted to highlight in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League game against Manchester City.

Valverde's path at Real Madrid

No one gave Fede Valverde anything at Real Madrid. He started in the Castilla, had to be loaned out for a season to Deportivo de La Coruña… and returned to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2018 when he was still 19 years old. Now, much more mature, he has evolved into a key player… although without as much spotlight as Vinícius or Mbappé.

In total, he has played 298 matches with Real Madrid. Of the players still active on the roster, only Modric, Carvajal, and Lucas Vázquez have played more matches. This has allowed him to gain a leadership role within the squad and inherit the number ‘8’ left vacant by Toni Kroos… and wear the captain’s armband on several occasions this season.

Valverde, captain in difficult times

For Valverde, it is a great honor: "Being the captain of Real Madrid is a great honor. It is also a nice pressure. I keep learning from all the captains to earn more respect every day," said the Uruguayan player before facing Manchester City in the Champions League.

One more match, it seems he will be the captain of Real Madrid… and he will have to do it as a right-back. A position he has occupied in recent games due to the injuries of Carvajal and Lucas, who could be available to face Manchester City… though not as a starter, as Ancelotti has acknowledged.