A precocious talent from Stade Rennais, Eduardo Camavinga quickly rose through the ranks. Real Madrid and the French team arrived very quickly for the midfielder who seemed like nothing could stop him…except perhaps himself. In recent months, the native of Cabinda has been experiencing a real low point. At club level, he has still not managed to establish himself as an indisputable starter despite various changes of coaches. Last year, Xabi Alonso, then Alvaro Arbeloa were not completely convinced. He nevertheless had playing time since he participated in 43 matches in all competitions, but only 23 as a starter. Time for him to score 2 goals and deliver 1 assist. He also had 3 stints in the infirmary (60 days of absence, 11 missed matches). When he was on the field, the 23-year-old Frenchman was rarely at his best.
A huge blow
His expulsion against Bayern Munich in the Champions League was undoubtedly the fatal blow for Camavinga, who even shed a few tears. Despite the public support of his teammates and his club, the former Rennes player continued to sink. And it didn’t get any better. Didier Deschamps inflicted the final blow on May 14. Despite the affection he had for Camavinga, he did not call him up for the World Cup in the United States. A difficult but accepted choice. “His season, obviously. Some injuries too. And the competition, which is very, very strong. But Cama… He is one of, I’m not going to say the most disappointed, but in March he was there, he played a little. I don’t question his potential and what he is capable of doing. But he has the right to be angry with me, I understand that.” After this terrible blow, the midfielder still flew to the United States during the summer. But for an activity other than football.
In fact, he followed a 4-day express course at Harvard Business of Entertainment, Media and Sport (BEMS). Then, he got back to work to prepare as best as possible for this new season. However, he was not guaranteed to stay in the Spanish capital. Appointed as head of the team, José Mourinho, who was not necessarily a big fan and who had placed him on his blacklist, wanted to see him in action. At the same time, Real Madrid have opened the door to his departure. If leads have emerged in the Premier League, particularly from Manchester United, it is especially in Türkiye that his name has come up regularly. Galatasaray was in the running and even made an offer at the end of the transfer window, which was considered insufficient. The Frenchman didn’t want to leave Madrid anyway. This, despite the fact that his club is looking for reinforcement in the midfield. In the end, the recruit Mourinho so desired did not come. But the Portuguese still wants fresh blood for this winter.
Convincing Zidane and Mourinho against the competition
This gives Camavinga time to show that we can (still) count on him. This season, the Special One, who called on him during the pre-season, then used him 6 times in all competitions (240 minutes of play). Still in La Liga, since he was suspended in the Champions League. Thus, he started against Malaga, where he was praised by his coach for his match, and against Betis. The player under contract until 2029 came on against Espanyol Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano and Atlético. He remained stuck on the bench without playing against Elche. For the moment, the international tricolor alternates between the good and the less good without necessarily achieving unanimous approval, especially with the Spanish press which does not spare him. He knows he is under pressure, especially since Fanatik announces that Galatasaray is still knocking on its door this winter. At the same time, he also plays big in the French team. Zinedine Zidane selected him for his first meeting at the head of the Blues.
Two months after the end of the World Cup, Camavinga can start from scratch or almost with a coach who knows him well. That doesn’t mean he’ll give her gifts. Especially since Zidane was clear since he made it clear that Aurélien Tchouameni, absent from his list, is in his plans. “He stopped for almost two months, he only played once as a starter. For his recovery process, it was better for him to stay in Madrid. We have four important matches to play. It was best for him.” In a gaming sector where competition is fierce, Eduardo Camavinga knows that he must make a good impression with the new staff to try to regain his place. But he has to battle with some good people, notably Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, not to mention Warren Zaire-Emery (withdrawn and replaced by Maghnes Akliouche). In club as in national team, the French midfielder plays his skin. It will start on Friday in Türkiye. A country where many people dream of seeing him in the Galatasaray jersey next January…
