Real Madrid have decided not to register Ferland Mendy for the league phase of the 2026-2027 Champions League. The French left-back is not included on the list submitted by the club to UEFA for the first part of the competition.
An absence linked to his injury
Ferland Mendy is still in the recovery phase after an injury to the rectus femoris tendon in his right leg, sustained in May. Real Madrid announced his surgery on May 11, along with the start of his rehabilitation process shortly after.
The Frenchman is expected to remain out for several more weeks. His absence from the European list is therefore most likely explained by his current physical condition.
Militão and Rodrygo duly registered
The decision is nonetheless surprising, since Éder Militão and Rodrygo, who are also currently injured, are both included on Real Madrid's Champions League list. Both players were kept on by José Mourinho despite their current unavailability.
This difference in treatment is one of the main peculiarities of the Madrid list, as the club has to work within the constraints imposed by UEFA regarding its European squad.
Sergio Martínez included on List A
Another notable piece of information: new signing Sergio Martínez is indeed included in Real Madrid's European squad. Contrary to what had been reported, the young midfielder is not registered on List B.
He appears on List A, wearing number 38, alongside the other first-team players. List B, meanwhile, is reserved for several young players developed at the club.
Real Madrid have notably included the following players on this List B:
- Jesús Fortea
- Joan Martínez
- Mario Rivas
- Thiago Pitarch
- Jorge Cestero
- Diego Villalba
- Gabriel Valero
- Daniel Yáñez
A very disrupted 2025-2026 season
Ferland Mendy is also coming off a particularly difficult season physically. The French defender only played 9 matches in all competitions with Real Madrid in 2025-2026, for 453 minutes of playing time.
His absence from the European list means he will not take part in the first part of Real Madrid's Champions League campaign. The Madrid club will begin their league phase next Tuesday against Inter Milan.
Ferland Mendy will therefore have to continue his rehabilitation before he can return to the pitch and, potentially, work his way back into Real Madrid's plans for the rest of the season.
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