Real Madrid’s Mundial Sub-20 triumph eclipses Flamengo’s Libertadores legacy

Real Madrid lifted the Mundial Sub-20 trophy after a 3‑1 victory over Santiago Wanderers at the Santiago Bernabéu, in front of 52 000 spectators, with first‑team manager José Mourinho watching. The win follows Flamengo’s recent triumph in the Libertadores Sub‑20, the tournament’s South American qualifier.

Historic European finale for the Sub‑20 World Cup

The Mundial Sub‑20, contested since 2022 between the European and South American champions of the age group, staged its first final on European soil this year. The match took place at the Santiago Bernabéu, giving the Sub competition a prestigious venue in Europa.

A crowd of 52 000 filled the Bernabéu, eclipsing the 45 000 that watched Flamengo versus Barcelona last year. That earlier final had held the attendance record at the Maracanã, which the Santiago crowd now surpasses.

Real Madrid defeat Wanderers amid drama

Real Madrid opened the scoring when their number 7 converted a free‑kick in the 29th minute. Santiago Wanderers equalised early in the second half through Christian Silva after a defensive lapse. Spain’s Santamaría restored the lead at 36 minutes, and Roberto Martín added a third at 54 minutes.

The Chilean side suffered three dismissals. Defender Dubó was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Yanes, and two further players received red cards later in the game, leaving Wanderers with ten men for much of the second half.

Flamengo, the tournament’s most successful club with two titles, had previously beaten Olympiacos 2‑1 in 2024 and defeated Barcelona on penalties in the same year’s final. Their South American berth came after Santiago Wanderers secured the Libertadores Sub‑20 crown in March, prevailing over Flamengo on penalties following a 1‑1 draw.

Earlier champions include Benfica, who lifted the inaugural trophy by beating Peñarol at the Estádio Centenario, and Boca Juniors, who won the 2023 edition at La Bombonera against AZ Alkmaar.