Before the semifinal against the PSG, Bellingham gave a ultimatum to Real Madrid: “Either I or that 20 -year -old kid”, which enraged Arda Güler. Xabi Alonso responded immediately with a hard answer.
The tension is red in Real Madrid while the club prepares for a crucial semifinal clash of the FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain. A dramatic ultimatum from the English midfielder has brought to light an alleged break between two of the brightest stars of the team, Jude Bellingham and Arda Gular. According to sources close to the workforce, Bellingham has faced the Real Madrid directive and has demanded to choose between him and the 20 -year -old Turkish sensation, Arda Gular, for an initial eleven position for the next game. The bold statement has caused frustration in the workforce, especially in Gular, who has had a prominent performance with the new coach Xabi Alonso. Alonso, in turn, has sent a resounding message in an attempt to calm the dispute and forward the workforce in its common goal.
The drama occurs after the exciting victory of Real Madrid 3-2 over Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, a match that demonstrated the depth and talent of the club, but also presented underlying tensions. Key figure in the midfield, Bellingham has been a fundamental pillar in the Alonso system since the Spanish assumed the position of coach in June 2025. However, his recent performances have been tarnished by occasional disciplinary problems, including a heated discussion with Alonso during the party against the Dortmund in which he was warned that he opposed the arbitrators to avoid penalties. Despite his undeniable talent, Bellingham’s frustration seems to come from the growing importance of Gular, who has become a key piece in Alonso’s creative system.
Having had difficulty getting minutes with former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Guler has shone under the direction of Alonso. The young Turk has started in all the recent Real Madrid matches at the Club World Cup, receiving praise for his vision, precision in the passes and ability to influence the matches. Against the Dortmund, Guler gave two goal assists, including the winning center to Kylian Mbappé, and completed 65 of 68 passes, demonstrating his growing influence. His performances have led Alonso to prefer it above consolidated stars such as Rodrygo, and have generated speculation about a new era in the midfield of Real Madrid. However, his rapid ascent has worried Bellingham, who, according to reports, feels that his role is threatened by the young player.
Bellingham’s ultimatum, which allegedly demanded that the club chose between him and Gular for the initial eleven against the PSG, caused shock in the squad. According to Fuentes, Gular enraged when he learned of the statement and interpreted it as a direct attack on his contribution. The tension between both players broke out for the first time for a friendly against Juventus, when Gular publicly criticized Bellingham for his lack of defensive effort, which caught Alonso’s attention. The coach intervened quickly to emphasize the importance of unity and warn against the egos that disturb the harmony of the team. Despite the clash, both players seemed to have learned the lesson, with Guler continuing to shine and Bellingham performing solid performances in the midfield.
Alonso’s response to the last controversy has been, as always, decisive. Speaking to the media before the semifinal against the PSG, the coach made it clear that no player is superior to the team. “We play better with Arda, but Jude is a leader in our own right. It is not about choosing one about the other; it is what is best for Real Madrid,” said Alonso, firmly rejecting the Bellingham ultimatum. He emphasized the need for both players to coexist, highlighting that Guler’s development has been a process that requires patience and the role of Bellingham as the engine of the workforce. Alonso’s approach reflects the philosophy of building a cohesive team, based on his successful stage at the Bayer Leverkusen, where he balanced young talents with consolidated stars.
The next game against the PSG further complicates the situation. With Kylian Mbappé’s goal against the Dortmund and the suspension of the key defense of Huijsen by a red card, Alonso faces crucial decisions regarding his squad. Huijsen’s absence will probably force a defensive change, with the incorporation of Raúl Asencio to Antonio Rüdiger. Meanwhile, the battle in the midfield will be crucial, with the creativity of Guler and the dynamism of Bellingham essential against a formidable PSG. Fans and analysts are eager to see how Alonso manages this internal conflict while maintaining the impulse of Real Madrid.
As the semifinals approach, attention focuses on them Bellingham and Guler can put aside their differences by the common good. Alonso’s leadership will be tested not only in egos management, but also in its masterful tactical exhibition against PSG. For now, the coach’s overwhelming response has marked the pattern: in Real Madrid, the team is the first and no ultimatum can derail its search for the title of the Club World Cup.
