Real Madrid officially opened preparations for the 2026-27 season on Monday, with José Mourinho leading his first preseason training session since returning to the club.
The day began with the usual medical and fitness examinations at the club’s medical facilities before the available members of the squad reported to Real Madrid City for their first workout of the summer.
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With many first-team players either still involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup or only recently returning from international duty, Mourinho worked with a limited group consisting of Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo García. A number of academy players were also called up to supplement the session.
After an introductory team talk from Mourinho, the squad began with gym work before moving onto the training pitch for activation exercises that combined physical conditioning with ball work.
The session then progressed into high-intensity possession drills under pressure, followed by finishing exercises on small goals. Training concluded with several small-sided matches on reduced-size pitches as Mourinho looked to reintroduce players to competitive game situations after the summer break.
Despite the high temperatures in Madrid, the first session was described as an intense workout, with a strong emphasis on both physical conditioning and work with the ball as the squad begins building fitness ahead of the new season.
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Mourinho was joined by his new coaching staff, including assistant João Tralhão, Sami Khedira, Pedro Machado, fitness coach António Dias, analyst Roberto Merella, and goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos. Long-time club fitness coach Antonio Pintus and goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis also remained involved in the session.
Meanwhile, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo continued their respective rehabilitation programs. All three were present at Valdebebas during the day but trained individually as they continue their recoveries from injury.
Unlike last summer, when Real Madrid had only a short preparation period before the season began, Mourinho will benefit from an extended preseason, with players expected to return in stages over the coming weeks as the squad builds toward the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
