In a unique blend of tennis and football, Carlos Alcaraz has found himself at the center of Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions—not with a racket in hand, but through a mantra that has become part of his identity. The young Spanish tennis star was given a surprising nod by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the club’s crucial Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Manchester City.
Facing the uphill task of overcoming a 3-0 deficit, Ancelotti turned to a powerful message to inspire his team. During his press conference, he borrowed a phrase that Alcaraz has famously made his own: “Cabeza, corazón y cojones” — meaning “head, heart, and balls.” The words, originally passed down to Alcaraz by his grandfather, have been a guiding principle throughout the tennis star’s rapid rise and are even tattooed on his arm as a permanent reminder of his values.
“We need to play with our heads, our hearts, and our balls,” Ancelotti told reporters, as he spoke about the mentality required to pull off a miracle at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Italian coach’s unexpected reference to Alcaraz didn’t go unnoticed.
When told about Ancelotti’s words, Alcaraz was visibly moved. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said with a smile. “If Real Madrid win, it will be thanks to my grandfather’s motto.” A lifelong supporter of Los Blancos, Alcaraz took obvious pride in seeing his personal philosophy echoed in the locker room of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
The 20-year-old tennis sensation, who recently battled through a tough win over Ethan Quinn at the Barcelona Open, continues to embody that very mantra in his own sport. Despite a tight second set, Alcaraz dug deep and emerged with a 6-2, 7-6(6) win. “It’s never easy to start a tournament, especially playing at home. There are nerves, there’s pressure—but I’m happy with how I handled it,” he said after the match.
Alcaraz’s words reflect the very spirit Ancelotti hopes to spark in his players. It’s a reminder that resilience, emotional strength, and courage are not bound by sport—they are universal traits that define champions, whether they’re on the tennis court or the football field.
For Real Madrid, who are no strangers to comebacks on the European stage, this latest challenge is steep—but with inspiration drawn from one of Spain’s brightest young athletes, belief runs deep. The mantra of “head, heart, and courage” could be exactly what they need to defy the odds once again.
As kickoff looms, all eyes are on the Bernabéu, where football giants prepare to fight back—not just with tactics and talent, but with the kind of spirit that Alcaraz lives by. And somewhere in the crowd or in front of a screen, the tennis star will surely be watching, hoping his grandfather’s words continue to echo on the grandest stages.
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