Hello 2026! There’s something so refreshing about turning the calendar page and stepping into a fresh start. I’m feeling inspired, motivated, and genuinely excited to see what this year has in store. To start the year off, I went to see my friends in Niagara Falls, Canada. My good friend Caroline and I went on an exchange to the Netherlands, and she ended up doing another in Australia. She invited me to meet her friends from that exchange and do some tourist activities around the Niagara region.
I am forever grateful for her and the friendships we created with people around the world. It was a great way to start the new year off.
Arriving back in Madrid on January 10, 2026, I was so excited to see my roommate and friends again. With this new start, Xabi Alonso has left his position as head coach of Real Madrid after just seven months in the role. I am excited to see what Álvaro Arbeloa does for the first team.
On January 13, 2026, I attended my first press conference and training session of the new year at Ciudad Real Madrid. This press conference featured the new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa and was held for the Copa Del Rey match on January 14, 2026, between Real Madrid and Albacete Balompié. The press room was quite busy this day as it was Álvaro’s first appearance as head coach of the first team.
On January 19, 2026, I had the opportunity to attend yet another Champions League press conference of the match between Real Madrid and Monaco on January 20, 2026. The press conference consisted of French football player Kylian Mbappé and head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
On January 31, 2026, I attended a press conference and training session for the La Liga game between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano on February 1, 2026. The press conference included head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
With January setting the tone, Real Madrid enters the heart of the season with new leadership and familiar expectations. From press rooms to training grounds, the early weeks of 2026 have already delivered compelling storylines, and there are many more still to unfold.
Stay tuned for more in the upcoming months!