Arsenal icon names two Real Madrid stars as his favourite players to watch | OneFootball

Robert Pires is widely regarded as a French football icon and one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever wingers. He has famously revealed that he once turned down a move to Real Madrid in favour of joining the Gunners.

Despite this, Pires’ admiration for the current Real Madrid squad is evident, as he holds several of their players in high esteem.

Pires’ favourite footballers to watch

When asked to name his favourite players, Robert Pires replied (h/t Madrid Zone), “Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Rodri.”

All three are in contention to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Both Bellingham and Vinicius staked their claim as frontrunners following an exceptional campaign with Real Madrid, which saw them win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.

However, when asked to name his pick for the Ballon d’Or, Pires did not include Jude Bellingham. Instead, he highlighted “Vinicius Jr. or Rodri” as deserving candidates.

Pires is an admirer of Bellingham, Vinicius. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Vinicius’ exploits in Real Madrid’s historic campaign were crucial, while Rodri led Manchester City to another Premier League title before winning the Euro 2024 for Spain.

Holding Real Madrid midfielders in high regard

Aurilien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have established themselves as young midfielders with bright futures ahead.

Both players are seen as instrumental figures in the Merengues‘ midfield, and Pires believes the pair warrant being starters for their national team.

Following France’s pain-staking exit in the most recent Euro campaign, the Arsenal legend looks forward to seeing Tchouameni and Camavinga feature in Les Bleus’ midfield in the upcoming World Cup.

“Who should start for France in midfield in the 2026 World Cup? I think Tchouaméni and Camavinga,” he said.

Pires accumulated 79 caps for France between 1996 and 2004, and played a key role in their triumphs at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.

As such, his desire to see Real Madrid’s dynamic midfield partnership in the upcoming world is a testament to their talents.