Ex-Barcelona midfielder ranks Real Madrid as best club of 2024; also names Barca in list
Former Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal has ranked Real Madrid as the best club of 2024. A post on X (formerly Twitter) by Madrid Xtra included a screenshot of the Chilean international, where he had ranked Los Blancos' 2024 season ahead of his former club Barcelona.
Vidal's list consists of 10 clubs across the big five European leagues. Real Madrid topped the ranking, followed by Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain. The other teams that make up the list include Juventus, Chelsea, Liverpool, AC Milan, and Manchester United, in that order.
While the ranking and inclusion of some clubs might be contentious based on their performance in the previous season, there is no dispute about Real Madrid's position on Vidal's list.
The La Liga giants are the reigning European Champions. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti's side clinched a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title. They also clinched the Supercopa de Espana and La Liga, winning the league title with a 10-point gap over rivals Barcelona.
Madrid's form in the 2023-24 season was impeccable. They recorded only two losses across all competitions and didn't lose a game en route to their Champions League triumph. In 55 games, Los Blancos won 41, drew 12, and lost two, scoring an impressive 129 goals and conceding 50.
Thus, it is no surprise to see them being ranked above other clubs. Vidal, who played for Barcelona between 2018 and 2020, currently plies his trade for Chilean outfit Colo Colo. The 37-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 96 appearances for the Catalan club.
Real Madrid and Barcelona to battle for supremacy in the 2024-25 season
Fans will be eager to see how things pan out between the two powerhouses of Spanish football when the new season commences. Last season, Real Madrid dominated La Liga from start to finish. With key changes occurring at both clubs over the summer, the battle for supremacy will intensify.
Barcelona have brought in German tactician Hansi Flick as a replacement for Xavi. The former Bayern Munich manager is regarded as one of the most tactically astute managers in European football and will be out to defend his reputation in Spain. Attention will also be on Lamine Yamal to see how he performs after a notable outing with the Spanish national team.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have fortified their ranks with the signing of Kylian Mbappe. The French international is one of the most lethal and prolific attackers in football. He will be out to prove his worth in Madrid's colors. Also, players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. will be eager to continue their brilliant form from the previous campaign.