Special: World champions for 9th time
Real Madrid lifted the Intercontinental Cup after defeating Pachuca at the Lusail stadium in Qatar courtesy of goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vini Jr.
On 18 December 2024, Real Madrid were crowned world champions for the ninth time in their history. The Whites clinched the Intercontinental Cup after producing a 3-0 victory over Pachuca at the Lusail stadium (Qatar). Ancelotti’s side went into the tournament as European champions, while the Mexican side reached the final after eliminating Al Ahly in the semi-finals and Botafogo in the quarter-finals.
The Madridistas took the lead in the 37th minute through Mbappé after a lovely move involving Bellingham and Vini Jr. In the second half, Rodrygo made it 2-0 with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Vini Jr. completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 84th minute.
Individual awards
Vini Jr. scooped all the individual awards at the Intercontinental Cup: the Brazilian received the
Golden Ball, MVP of the final and MVP of the tournament. The forward made the difference against Pachuca, assisting Mbappé in the 1-0 win and making it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Meanwhile, Valverde collected the Silver Ball award after a superb performance in the final. The midfielder expressed his feelings after clinching yet another trophy: “I'm happy and proud to keep winning for this club and this badge.”
After the victory in the final, the club president Florentino Pérez, expressed his delight at winning his 65th trophy with Real Madrid. “It's not just another one, but a world championship trophy. This is the ninth time we have won it. It's a very special title and we are thrilled to have won it.”
More history is made
Ancelotti and Modrić continue to break records with Real Madrid. After clinching the Intercontinental Cup, the Italian coach became the most decorated manager in the club’s history, with 15 trophies. "The trophy gives us the confidence to keep dreaming, fighting and competing in 2025,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, Modrić lifted his second trophy as club captain and his 28th trophy as a Madridista. He and another of the club captains, Carvajal, became club world champions for the sixth time in their careers.
Five trophies in 2024
Four days after being crowned champions, the players showcased the trophy at the Santiago Bernabéu before the game against Sevilla. The club’s latest success means 2024 comes to an end with five trophies in the bag.