Camavinga is untouchable

Eduardo Camavinga is the future of Real Madrid. This is the conclusion of the third contract extension that the club has formalized - even though it was agreed upon months ago. It's more a matter of status than years – a way to secure the young talent.

Although Camavinga's previous contract ran until 2027, this extension adds two more years, taking it until 2029. In that sense, there are not many changes but notable updates to his salary and, most importantly, his release clause. His earnings will significantly improve, and his release clause has become substantial, standing at $1.1 billion, joining the ranks of the 'anti-sheikhs' alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo. Camavinga wanted to stay, and he will. He will play for Real Madrid, at least until the age of 26.

Camavinga arrived as a 'wildcard' on the last day of the transfer market when he was only 18 years old, costing $32 million, with $16 million in variables, coming from Stade Rennais, where he progressed through the youth academy to reach the first team. In a similar fashion to Kylian Mbappe, he refused to renew, which opened up the possibility of a transfer when he had just one year left on his contract. Then Real Madrid entered the scene.

A future-oriented operation that took a while to take off. In his first year, Camavinga played just one full match in the first half of the season. Despite this and still being part of France's U21 squad, he made it to the World Cup in Qatar, which changed his life. He returned as a different player, one who was bolder and more mature. Although he still made some youthful mistakes with uncontrolled impetuosity, such as committing too many fouls and receiving too many yellow cards, he gradually corrected his game. In his first season, he concluded with 40 appearances and an outstanding final stretch, where he played a crucial role in the round of 16 in the 14th Champions League title campaign. His words were an apt indication of his levelheadedness.

"I don't want to be a luxury substitute for the rest of my life, but everything has its process, and now many people are ahead of me. Learn and wait; my moment will come."

And it did.

It was the last season when he stepped up his game. He played 59 matches, more than anyone else in the squad (ahead of Rodrygo with 57 and Valverde with 56). He only missed one La Liga match (due to a yellow card suspension) and one in the Champions League (a dead rubber encounter with Celtic on the last matchday). Camavinga became indispensable and omnipresent. He began playing as a midfielder but soon discovered he was more effective as a defensive midfielder. To up the ante, he even showed his abilities as a left-back, although he prefers the midfield.

Carlo Ancelotti's trust in him is evident as he relied on Camavinga in crucial moments like the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League tie against Manchester City, and the Clasico at Montjuïc, among others.

Camavinga will turn 21 this Friday, and at such a young age, he can already say that he has won all possible club titles: a Champions League, a La Liga, a Copa del Rey, a UEFA Super Cup, a Spanish Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. Besides, his estimated market value is now three times as much as when he first arrived in Spain. However, he still has his sights set on international glory with France and playing for Real Madrid, a journey that will continue until 2029.

Fede Valverde will be next in line for an extension, with the ceremony scheduled for Thursday. The future is secured at the Bernabeu.