Federico Valverde experienced sheer panic during a Real Madrid training session when he accidentally injured Zinedine Zidane’s son, Luca, fearing immediate dismissal from the club.
The Unfortunate Training Clash
The Uruguay international midfielder, who joined Real Madrid in 2017 and thrived under Zidane’s guidance for three years, shares a strong bond with the French legend forged through La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Despite this, Valverde dreaded Zidane’s response after the mishap with Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and Zidane’s second-oldest son.
Luca developed through Madrid’s academy, earned two senior appearances, then moved to Granada and represents Algeria internationally after departing in 2020.
On the ‘Terapia Picante’ podcast, Valverde recounted his dread: “I wanted to die, I thought they were going to sack me, I injured Zidane’s son.” He added with humor, “Some goalkeepers have been injured by my shots. Shoulder injuries, especially. I have very skinny legs, I don’t know where I get so much strength from.”
Zidane’s Lasting Impact
With 14 major trophies at the Bernabéu, Valverde credits Zidane for shaping his character. “Zidane helped me develop my character. He gave me tranquillity and peace of mind to know that things would work out for me,” he stated.
Ancelotti’s Mentorship
Before working with Álvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, the 27-year-old spent four years under Carlo Ancelotti, whom he views as family. “Ancelotti made me believe in myself,” Valverde said. “He’s like family to me. I love him very much. I hope I can run into him again someday. The way he made us feel day in and day out. That hunger and that desire to win. Ancelotti is the most complete.”
Real Madrid’s Title Push
Eight La Liga matches remain, with Madrid trailing champions Barcelona by seven points. A Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich awaits on Tuesday. The 15-time European kings advanced past Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate, powered by Valverde’s first-half hat-trick in the opener.
Reflecting on that performance, Valverde shared: “Everything went my way against City. I never thought I could score three goals. It was incredible. Those are 50 unforgettable minutes of my career. The best part was feeling the fans’ support. The day before, I told my wife I hoped I’d score, but three goals? Unthinkable.”
