Real Madrid has once again been recognized for its long-term vision. A recent report from the CIES Football Observatory ranks the club as the best planner in world football, highlighting a strategy based on stability, the recruitment of young talent and squad continuity. This approach allows the club to remain competitive in the present while also building for the future.

The study identifies four key elements behind this advantage: stability in player usage over the past three years, the average length of time players remain with the first team, the duration of contracts and the age at which players are signed. The analysis focuses exclusively on first-team footballers, excluding academy players under the age of 22 and those developed within the club, in order to provide a clearer picture of transfer policy. These factors demonstrate how sustainable sporting projects are constructed, and in this area Real Madrid stands clearly ahead of the rest. The club’s roadmap remains consistent: sign young players, develop their potential and avoid constant squad rebuilds.

Barcelona appears in 21st position, just outside the top twenty. The ranking reflects the club’s recent circumstances, including financial adjustments, higher squad turnover and decisions influenced by short-term needs. Despite this, their young core still offers potential if the project can gain greater stability.

Behind Real Madrid in the ranking are two clubs with very different but effective models. Brentford has built one of the most stable projects in the Premier League through careful resource management, while Athletic Club continues to rely on continuity and a strong collective identity.

In a football landscape often driven by immediate results, the report emphasizes that success is also built through patience, consistency and long-term vision. In that sense, Real Madrid once again stands apart.

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