When Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid take to the pitch on Saturday, 08 February at 22:00 CAT, the Spanish capital will once again be divided. The Madrid Derby, a fixture that has ignited passion and pride for over a century, is set for its 176th chapter in LALIGA – one that could shape the race for the LALIGA EA SPORTS title.
Separated by just one point in the standings, Real Madrid sit first with 49 points, while Atlético de Madrid are second with 48 points. A win for either side will not only secure citywide bragging rights and top spot for at least a week but could also prove decisive in this season’s championship battle.
Yet, beyond the fierce rivalry, history, and drama, another thread runs through this great rivalry: the undeniable African influence on Madrid’s biggest footballing spectacle.
The African Stars in the Madrid Derby
This season’s Madrid Derby will see some of Africa’s finest talents take centre stage. At Atlético de Madrid, Mozambican left-back Reinildo Mandava forms part of the squad and will be itching to be part of the starting line-up and play a crucial role in Diego Simeone’s defensive setup. Mandava, who has made 15 league appearances this season, offers versatility, excelling as both a left-back and a centre-back. He comes into this clash having put in a great performance against RCD Mallorca whom they won 2-0 against during round 22.
On the other side, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz is steadily carving out a bigger role in Los Blancos’ attack. Born in Spain but of Moroccan descent and a full international for the Atlas Lions, the 25-year-old playmaker has shown flashes of brilliance this season, making 17 league appearances while contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. As he continues to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s trust, Díaz will be eager to make his mark in one of the biggest fixtures in Spanish football.
Madrid’s African Heritage: Past and Present
Over the years, several African footballers have left their mark on the Madrid Derby. One of the most influential was Samuel Eto’o, who launched his legendary career in Real Madrid’s youth system before starring for FC Barcelona. Over at Atlético, Thomas Partey became a midfield powerhouse and won the 2018 UEFA Europa League and 2018 UEFA Super Cup, as well as picking up a LALIGA winners’ medal in 2021 despite having left the club earlier that season.
Another standout figure is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, the full-back who came through Real Madrid’s academy – his hometown club – and played for the first team before making his move to Borussia Dortmund and later PSG.
Atlético, too, have had their share of African legends over the years, including Central African Republic international Geoffrey Kondogbia and South Africa’s Quinton Fortune. Going back even further in time, Larbi Ben Barek starred for Atleti between 1948 and 1953. Known as the Black Pearl – and also ‘The Foot of God’ in Spain – Ben Barek won two LALIGA titles with Atleti and memorably scored twice in a 6-3 away win over Real Madrid in 1950.
African Roots in Real Madrid’s Squad
While Brahim Díaz is the direct African link in the current Real Madrid squad, several other stars of African heritage continue to shape the club’s success.
Real Madrid’s squad boasts several players with African heritage, enhancing the club’s diversity. David Alaba (Nigeria/Austria) provides leadership in defence, while Eduardo Camavinga (Angola/Congo/France) shines as a dynamic midfielder. Kylian Mbappé (Cameroon/Algeria/France) strengthens the squad with his blistering pace, and Aurélien Tchouaméni (Cameroon/France) has quickly become a midfield powerhouse. Antonio Rüdiger (Sierra Leone/Germany) brings toughness to the defence, and Ferland Mendy (Senegal/France) adds flair with his Senegalese background.
Beyond the Derby: LaLiga, Africa, and the Future
LALIGA has long been a destination for Africa’s best footballers. From Samuel Eto’o to Yaya Touré, the Spanish topflight has provided a stage for talents to shine at the highest level. The league’s continued investment in African football, with initiatives like LALIGA’s partnerships with African academies, ensures that the next generation of African stars will follow in the footsteps of greats before them.
As Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid prepare to do battle in yet another unforgettable Madrid Derby, the African influence on this historic fixture is undeniable. Whether it’s through players on the pitch, legends of the past, or rising stars yet to come, Africa’s footballing footprint continues to shape one of the greatest rivalries in world football.
Come Saturday night, as the Spanish capital and the footballing world stand still for 90 minutes, the impact of Africa’s finest will be felt yet again in a derby that never disappoints.
