The court at Vinicius’ home became the perfect place for Real Madrid players to gather. Here’s a look inside the tournaments organized by the players in their free time.
“Next to see the winning team.” The phrase from Federico Valverde, uttered after one of the now-regular paddle tennis games at Vinicius’ home, summarizes better than any speech the moment the Real Madrid locker room is going through. Where there were once doubts and cracks, there is now a united group looking to finish the season by lifting trophies.
A gray sofa, a large dinner paid for by Vinicius and Mbappe, an octagon in Vistalegre, and a paddle tennis court have helped rebuild an ecosystem reminiscent of the team’s best years. The difference is not just on the field. Arbeloa’s arrival has helped the change. Listening to and understanding the player, getting closer to the group, and generating an atmosphere of trust.
The locker room, which had already shown its support as MARCA reported, responded in the best possible way. “I want them to be a family, for the power of friendship to show and for that good atmosphere to lead us to keep winning,” he explained after the derby.
In that process, Vinicius’ home has become a meeting point to find the key. Only competition, jokes, and coexistence. And the Brazilian has become so hooked on paddle tennis that he decided to install a court in his house. Since then, free days have had a fixed destination for a large part of the squad. Internal tournaments are organized among the entire squad... in which they play for money.
Between €100 and €150 per player for a final pot that the winning pair takes home. Something symbolic for the money they have, but which activates their competitive pride.
In one of those tournaments, an anecdote that best defines the group’s spirit occurred. With everything ready to compete, Vinicius dropped a puzzling phrase: “I’m still missing my partner …” The confusion was general. No one expected more guests.
But the wait had a twist. Minutes later, Juan Lebron appeared, one of the best players in the world and the No. 3 pair in Premier Padel, and a friend of the Brazilian. Hence, the brand that sponsors the player from Cadiz (Babolat) is also the one with which the No. 7 always plays.
The reaction ranged from disbelief to laughter. The outcome, more predictable: a clear advantage for Vinicius and a guaranteed prize. A small “trick” with a neighborhood football flavor, where the rule is simple: whoever sets up the court makes the rules.
Additionally, the white squad enjoys their afternoons with card games (poker is the favorite in the morning) and video games (Fortnite, Warzone, and EA Sports FC are usually the choices) to enjoy their free afternoons with family.
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