Real Madrid's Ultimate Benchwarmer: 10 Minutes Played, 2 Trophies Won, and Six Months to Go

At Real Madrid, Jesús Vallejo has carved out a unique role—an ever-present figure on the team sheet but almost entirely absent from the pitch. Despite this paradox, the 27-year-old defender has accumulated an impressive collection of trophies during his time with Los Blancos. As his contract winds down, Vallejo continues to embody the contradiction of being both a forgotten man and a perennial winner.

Vallejo’s Place in the Shadows

This season, Real Madrid has faced a defensive crisis with long-term injuries to David Alaba and Éder Militão. The shortage of central defenders has forced Carlo Ancelotti to experiment with unconventional solutions. Defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been deployed as a makeshift center-back, and when Tchouaméni was sidelined, right-back Dani Carvajal filled the role. Even B-team youngster Raúl Asencio has been promoted to the first team, leapfrogging Vallejo in the pecking order.

Despite his consistent inclusion in matchday squads, Vallejo has been relegated to a role of near-total invisibility. Following Tchouaméni’s recovery, Vallejo’s prospects have dwindled further. Ancelotti has solidified his defensive pairing with Antonio Rüdiger and Tchouaméni, while Asencio occupies the backup role. Vallejo, meanwhile, remains firmly rooted to the bench.

A Brief and Troubling Cameo

Vallejo’s only appearance this season came during Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Alavés. With Madrid cruising at 3-0, the Santiago Bernabéu faithful began chanting Vallejo’s name, urging Ancelotti to bring him on. The coach obliged, giving Vallejo a rare 10-minute runout.

However, what should have been a feel-good moment quickly turned into a nightmare. Alavés scored twice in quick succession, with one of their goals stemming from a Vallejo error. Real Madrid narrowly escaped with the win, but the incident further cemented Ancelotti’s lack of trust in the defender.

A Champion Without Playing

While Vallejo’s contributions on the pitch have been minimal, his trophy cabinet tells a different story. This season alone, Real Madrid has won the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Vallejo did not play a single minute in either competition, but as a member of the squad, he added two more titles to his collection.

For many players, winning even one major trophy is a career-defining achievement. For Vallejo, it has become routine. Since joining Real Madrid, he has amassed 12 trophies: two Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.

The Human Side of the Equation

According to reports from AS, Ancelotti appreciates Vallejo’s professionalism and attitude but does not consider him a viable option on the field. Real Madrid, known for its high standards, has no place for a player deemed surplus to requirements. However, out of respect for Vallejo’s character, the club has decided not to terminate his contract early.

Instead, Vallejo will see out his deal, which expires on June 30, 2024. At that point, he will leave on a free transfer, likely to a smaller club where he can seek more regular playing time.

A Career of Contrasts

Vallejo’s journey at Real Madrid has been one of stark contrasts. In five seasons with the club—interspersed with loan spells at Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Granada—he has made just 32 appearances, totaling 1,946 minutes. Yet, his time in Madrid has been marked by an extraordinary level of team success.

As the current campaign progresses, Real Madrid remains in contention for five more trophies: the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Vallejo’s role may remain peripheral, but the possibility of adding more silverware to his collection looms large.

For Vallejo, his time at Real Madrid encapsulates the unpredictable nature of football. While he has struggled for minutes, he has experienced the pinnacle of the sport, celebrating triumphs that most players can only dream of. As he prepares for life after Madrid, Vallejo leaves behind a legacy as one of the game’s most unlikely winners.