Real Madrid pre-season 2025: Fixtures, Tours & How to Watch

Real Madrid pre-season preparations are already in full swing as Los Blancos plot a rapid return to European supremacy in 2025-26. Knocked out of last season’s Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Arsenal, the Spanish giants have wasted no time building a demanding summer programme designed to sharpen fitness, showcase global appeal and, above all, usher in a fresh tactical era under new boss Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid pre-season roadmap: key dates & venues

The Real Madrid pre-season calendar opens on 8 July with medicals at Valdebebas, followed by a week of double sessions that Alonso hopes will embed his pressing principles. On 17 July the squad flies to the United States for the lucrative Soccer Champions Tour. Three glamour friendlies await: a Pasadena clash with Manchester United, a Dallas duel against Juventus and a Miami showdown versus Paris Saint-Germain. Madrid then travel directly to Japan for a two-match visit against Kawasaki Frontale and Vissel Kobe before returning to Spain to contest the traditional Santiago Bernabéu Trophy on 18 August.

Tickets, streaming and global TV information

Match tickets for the American leg are on sale via the Soccer Champions Tour website, starting at $65. Japanese fixtures are handled by J-League partners, while Bernabéu Trophy seats can be purchased through the club’s official portal. Real Madrid TV will stream every friendly live for registered members, and international audiences can follow along on ESPN+, DAZN and regional rights-holders.

Squad shape: arrivals, departures and rising stars

Los Blancos have been proactive in the summer market. French defender Leny Yoro and Brazilian wonderkid Endrick headline the arrivals, while long-serving full-back Dani Carvajal has moved to Inter Miami. Academy graduates Nico Paz and Gonzalo García are expected to earn minutes throughout the Real Madrid pre-season tour, giving Alonso extra depth in midfield and attack.

Tactical tweaks under Xabi Alonso

Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 will be tested rigorously. Training-ground footage already shows emphasis on a higher defensive line, rapid vertical passing and coordinated counter-pressing. Jude Bellingham is slated for a free-eight role, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo positioned as inverted forwards either side of marquee striker Kylian Mbappé.

Real Madrid pre-season and the expanded Club World Cup

June 2025 brings the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a tournament for which Real qualified by winning the 2021-22 and 2023-24 Champions League titles. Because the event sits just before normal pre-season dates, Alonso’s men will treat it as a competitive warm-up rather than a distraction. Group-stage opponents include Palmeiras, Al Hilal and MLS champions Columbus Crew, providing early tests across three continents’ playing styles.

Fitness focus and sports science

Head of performance Antonio Pintus, nicknamed “The Sergeant”, has designed a periodised loading plan that peaks six weeks into summer. Sessions will alternate between high-intensity endurance drills and tactical pattern play, leveraging the club’s new cryogenic recovery chambers and positional GPS tracking to monitor fatigue. The objective is to prevent repeats of last season’s March injury spike that sidelined five starters before the Arsenal tie.

Commercial impact of a global tour

With five overseas fixtures, Real Madrid pre-season activity is projected to generate over €25 million in match-day revenue and sponsorship activations. Adidas will unveil the 2025-26 away kit in Dallas, while a VR fan-engagement initiative launches in Tokyo, allowing supporters to experience training sessions through 360-degree headsets.

Youth academy integration

Alonso, a product of Madrid’s own youth system, intends to promote at least two Castilla players to the senior squad each season. Defensive midfielder Manuel Ángel and left-back Jesús Fortea will join the United States leg, aiming to impress before loan decisions are finalised in late August.

Complete Real Madrid pre-season fixture list

• 8 Jul – Medicals & first training (Valdebebas)
• 17 Jul – Manchester United, Rose Bowl, Pasadena
• 22 Jul – Juventus, AT&T Stadium, Dallas
• 27 Jul – Paris Saint-Germain, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• 1 Aug – Kawasaki Frontale, National Stadium, Tokyo
• 4 Aug – Vissel Kobe, Noevir Stadium, Kobe
• 18 Aug – Bernabéu Trophy vs Ajax, Santiago Bernabéu

How to watch: channel guide by region

Spain: Real Madrid TV & Movistar+
USA/Canada: ESPN+, Fox Deportes
UK/Ireland: TNT Sports
South-East Asia: beIN SPORTS
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport

What success will look like

Alonso’s mandate is clear: integrate Mbappé smoothly, tighten defensive transitions and cultivate young depth—all while contending for six trophies. A disciplined Real Madrid pre-season, capped by silverware in the Club World Cup, would send an emphatic statement to European rivals before La Liga kicks off on 24 August.

Quick FAQ

When does Real Madrid pre-season start? 8 July 2025.
Who is the new manager? Club legend Xabi Alonso.
Will all friendlies be televised? Yes, globally via official broadcasters.
Which youngsters could break through? Nico Paz, Manuel Ángel, Jesús Fortea.

Editor’s opinion

Real Madrid’s willingness to combine a gruelling travel schedule with the high-stakes Club World Cup shows a club unafraid of risk. If Alonso balances conditioning and chemistry, this summer could lay the foundations for another era of continental dominance.