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Mourinho includes 16 Real Madrid academy players in pre-season training

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 8:05 AM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Mourinho includes 16 Real Madrid academy players in pre-season training

Summary

Jose Mourinho has called up 16 players from the Real Madrid academy for pre-season training as he begins his second spell at the club. This development follows his history of promoting youth talent at Madrid, where he previously handed first-team debuts to 20 academy players. Among those selected are Palacios, Cestero, and Cherif Fofana. Mourinho aims to re-emphasize youth development as part of his strategy. The new training initiative marks a significant step in preparing for the upcoming season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mourinho called up 16 youngsters for Real Madrid's pre-season training.
•The selection includes players with first-team experience.
•He previously promoted 20 academy players during his first tenure.
•Cherif Fofana is among the highly rated players included.
•Mourinho's approach aims to reinstate emphasis on youth development.

Latest Updates

8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho fully trusts the Real Madrid academy as 16 youngsters called up for pre-season training

What they're saying

"
Jose Mourinho has often been portrayed as a manager who prioritises established stars, but his record at Real Madrid tells a very different story. According to a detailed report from AS, the Portugue...
— Yahoo Sports

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