Lucas Vázquez Eyes World Cup Spot After Thriving at Leverkusen
Former Real Madrid winger Lucas Vázquez is putting his hand up for Spain's World Cup squad after finding his feet at Bayer Leverkusen.
Lucas Vázquez is loving life in Germany — and he hasn’t half let everyone know about it. The former Real Madrid winger is in cracking form at Bayer Leverkusen and, crucially, he’s got one eye firmly on a Spain squad place for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
‘It’s Cold Outside Madrid’ — But Lucas Seems Fine, Cheers
There’s a saying in Spanish football circles that “fuera del Madrid hace frío” — it’s cold outside Madrid. Well, someone apparently threw that line at Vázquez in a post-match interview, and the Galician, being the dry, self-aware character he is, basically batted it away with a grin. The man is clearly not feeling the chill.
And why would he be? Leverkusen are on a proper roll right now:
- Seven consecutive unbeaten games, with six wins in that run
- The so-called ‘Spanish Leverkusen’ — Grimaldo, Aleix García, and Vázquez — have been absolutely central to that form
- Kasper Hjulmand’s side are building momentum at exactly the right time of the season
Vázquez has spoken about how much he’s enjoying the style of play under Hjulmand — lots of ball, lots of movement, which suits him down to the ground.
Knocking on De la Fuente’s Door
When asked about a potential Spain recall during an interview with TNT Sports México, Vázquez didn’t mess about. He made it clear he’s ready and waiting: “I’m always full of ambition and excitement, ready for whatever comes.”
With Luis de la Fuente’s final squad announcement for the World Cup getting closer by the week, Vázquez is very much putting his name in the hat. At 33, some might write him off, but the bloke is playing regularly at a top European club and performing. That’s not nothing.
Big Respect for ‘Arbe’ Back at the Bernabéu
Obviously, no interview with a former Madridista goes by without someone asking about Real Madrid. Vázquez was warm and genuine when the subject came up, saying he’s well chuffed for Carlo Ancelotti — or ‘Arbe’ as he calls him — and that the Italian is doing a great job. No bitterness, no drama. Just a proper club man showing love for his old gaff.
The Bottom Line
Lucas Vázquez left Madrid quietly last summer, but he’s making noise in Germany. If he keeps this up, De la Fuente is going to have a proper headache — and that’s exactly where Vázquez wants him.