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What forms the core factions within the Spanish national team?
The Real Madrid faction and the Barcelona faction.
By comparison, core players from Valencia, Deportivo La Coruña, or Sevilla weren't insignificant, but they struggled to earn the same level of media attention or public support.
Real Madrid and Barcelona players, however, were a different story.
Especially their captain-level figures—Raúl, Puyol, and Real Madrid's new captain, Su Hang.
Alongside them stood the rising stars and fan favorites: Ramos, Xavi, and Iniesta.
So even though Real Madrid's Guti, Helguera, and Raúl Bravo, or Barça's Valdés, didn't make the final list, as long as the two giant fanbases stayed quiet, Aragonés' decisions faced no real backlash.
A truly brilliant move.
Speaking of Valdés, luck simply wasn't on his side.
Spain's number-one goalkeeper spot was already locked in: Iker Casillas.
For both Real Madrid and the national team, his performances over the past two years had been nothing short of world-class.
Madrid fans even called him "Saint Casillas," believing he stood shoulder to shoulder with Buffon among the world's elite goalkeepers.
The remaining two goalkeeper spots came down to Pepe Reina, Cañizares, and Valdés.
Casillas stands at 1.85 meters, Valdés at 1.83, and Cañizares at 1.81—all relatively short for goalkeepers.
So it was no surprise that the nearly 1.90-meter-tall Pepe Reina was all but guaranteed one of the backup spots.
That height advantage had always kept Reina ahead of Valdés back in their Barcelona academy days.
Height has always mattered in goalkeeping—every extra inch of reach can make the difference.
The foundation of a top-class goalkeeper lies in height and arm span.
Smaller keepers can certainly produce spectacular saves, but taller ones are generally more consistent.
Was Keylor Navas not outstanding?
Of course he was.
But when Real Madrid had the chance to sign Courtois, did they hesitate for even a moment to replace Navas?
It wasn't a matter of age—it came down to physical traits like height.
When Courtois was injured early in the 2023 season, Madrid needed a backup keeper. Most expected Kepa to be signed, but if there had been any taller, equally skilled alternative, Madrid wouldn't have chosen the smaller-framed Kepa.
Likewise, Casillas was born in 1981, Reina and Valdés in 1982.
At twenty-three or twenty-four, they were still young for goalkeepers.
After all, the age curve for goalkeepers differs greatly—you could roughly compare them to a twenty-year-old midfielder or an eighteen-year-old forward.
They were undeniably talented, but still lacked consistency.
That's where Cañizares, born in 1969, had the edge.
A seasoned veteran—steady and reliable.
He simply had to be included.
Which naturally meant Valdés was the odd one out.
That's just how things go sometimes.
Speaking of Casillas and Cañizares, it's impossible not to mention the infamous "perfume incident."
On the eve of the 2002 World Cup, Spain's first-choice keeper Cañizares suffered a bizarre accident. While washing up in his hotel room, a perfume bottle slipped from his hand. Instinctively, he tried to kick it back up—but it shattered, and he stepped on the glass, injuring his toes and Achilles tendon.
That freak injury cost him his place in the squad and paved the way for Casillas, who until then had barely featured for the national team.
At that time, neither Casillas, Reina, nor Valdés had much of a chance—until that moment changed everything.
From then on, Cañizares effectively lost his hold on Spain's number-one spot.
Ironically, Casillas' breakout performance in the Champions League came against Cañizares himself.
You could say Casillas owed his rise entirely to Cañizares' "self-inflicted assist."
...
Soon after, France and Brazil released their final World Cup squads.
France: Zidane, Henry, Trezeguet, Cissé, Saha, Ribéry, Wiltord, Vieira, Makélélé, Diarra, Thuram, Gallas, Sagnol, Silvestre, Barthez...
A lineup full of stars.
Notably, Zidane and Makélélé had both come out of retirement the previous year to help France qualify for the World Cup.
Still, some doubted France's strength—Zidane and Makélélé were another year older.
Zidane was still brilliant, but would he have enough left in the tank after a long Champions League run?
He had already confirmed that, no matter what, this World Cup would be the final chapter of his international career.
Brazil: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, Adriano—the so-called "Magical Quartet."
Alongside them were Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Silva, Zé Roberto, Robinho, Emerson, Juninho Pernambucano, Edmílson, Lúcio, Cicinho, Cafu, Júlio César, and Dida.
Robinho and Cicinho both earned their places thanks to standout seasons with Real Madrid.
Robinho was even hailed as "the fifth member of the quartet," proof of how highly he was rated.
This year, his performances in key matches for Real Madrid were outstanding—he thrived as a super-sub and explosive winger.
...
The World Cup was just around the corner.
National teams everywhere began their training camps.
Even captains like Raúl and Puyol reported early.
However, some teams had already begun training three days before they arrived.
Since Real Madrid and Barcelona had contested the Champions League final, their seasons ended later than most, granting their players two or three extra days of rest.
When Puyol finally arrived at the training base, he was told to report to Aragonés' office.
But even before he reached the door, he overheard the coach speaking with his assistant inside.
"This situation's a tough one," Aragonés sighed.
"Raúl is the national team captain, but at his club, he gave the armband to Su Hang last year."
"He's also said in several interviews that he prefers to just focus on playing. He's not the type who enjoys managing others."
"So, in terms of morale, spirit, and tradition, Raúl may no longer be the right man to captain La Furia Roja."
"According to football's unwritten rules, based on seniority and appearances, Casillas would be next in line for the armband."
"But here's the issue—Casillas isn't captain at Real Madrid. His club captain is Su Hang."
Having two leaders within one team creates an awkward dynamic.
It weakens both their authority.
Considering players spend most of their time with their clubs, when several from the same team qualify for the captaincy, the national team usually favors the club captain.
It's better for unity and chemistry—both for the club and the national side.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
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