London: Real Madrid had barely begun celebrating a record-extending 15th Champions League title when coach Carlo Ancelotti started to plot a 16th. The all-time kings of Europe have no intention of releasing their grip on the trophy - and by the start of next season, the best are likely to be even better. "In this club there is constant demand.
It is never satisfied,” Ancelotti said after Saturday’s 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. Madrid’s latest triumph came without a recognized striker after club icon Karim Benzema departed last year. The gap was filled by English midfielder Jude Bellingham, but by next season Ancelotti will have more fire power to call upon.
Brazil’s most exciting young talent Endrick is on his way. But Kylian Mbappe is the player most wanted by Madrid fans after a decade-long pursuit of the man many believe to be the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s greatest player. Mbappe is leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and would be a marquee addition in the tradition of past Galacticos to wear the famous white shirt like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
"If that was to happen it would be amazing (to have) a player like him,” Bellingham said Saturday. World Cup winning forward Mbappe has the individual and match-winning qualities to compare with the game’s greatest. He is blessed with speed, balance, power and dizzying footwork.
He is also a prolific goal scorer at the highest level to rival Erling Ha.
