Raul Asencio has found himself at the center of criticism following a string of costly mistakes during Real Madrid’s run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. After a humbling semifinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain and the official end of the 2024–25 campaign, the Spanish center back took to social media to apologize to fans for his underwhelming performances.
Los Blancos wrapped up a disappointing season with a heavy 4–0 defeat to PSG, crashing out in the semifinal stage and falling short of their Club World Cup aspirations. Throughout the tournament, Asencio was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, having made several high-profile errors that contributed to the team’s early exit.
Now on vacation, the 22-year-old defender addressed the backlash with a heartfelt message.. “Madridistas, this season comes to an end—one in which I fulfilled the dream of being part of the best club in the world, but that unfortunately ended in the way I least wanted,” he wrote on an Instagram post.
“I feel I didn’t live up to expectations in a Club World Cup that demanded the very best, but now it’s time to disconnect and recharge. Wishing you all a happy holiday—and now and always, HALA MADRID! Counting the days until I return to the Bernabe,” he concluded his message.
Asencio’s costly mistakes raise doubts over future role
Real Madrid struggled to impose themselves in the early stages of the new era under Xabi Alonso, and the cracks widened in the semifinal clash against PSG. Chief among the concerns was the form of Raul Asencio, who looked shaky throughout the tournament.
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With Antonio Rudiger sidelined due to injury, Asencio was thrust into the starting lineup. In the opening match against Al Hilal, he conceded a penalty that allowed the Saudi side to equalize. Days later, in the second match against Pachuca, he was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on striker Salomon Rondon just seven minutes into the game.
Suspended for the final group stage match against RB Salzburg, Asencio watched from the bench as Rudiger returned from injury and reclaimed his spot. The young Spaniard remained on the sidelines for the quarterfinal win over Juventus and the semifinal against Borussia Dortmund.
But when Dean Huijsen was suspended for the semifinal against PSG, Asencio was called back into the starting eleven—and it proved costly. Under pressure from Ousmane Dembele inside the box, Asencio lost possession, gifting PSG the opening goal and setting the tone for a one-sided affair.
With his confidence shaken and key errors piling up, Asencio’s future role under Alonso is now in question. The academy graduate will have to earn back trust as every decision—and every mistake—will be under close scrutiny heading into the 2025–26 season.
