Tchouameni Did Strike Valverde, Claims Reveal—But the Uruguayan Had It Coming

The drama engulfing Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex this week has taken another turn, with new reports confirming that Aurelien Tchouameni did indeed land a blow on Federico Valverde—despite both players initially denying it happened.

Valverde ended up in hospital on Thursday nursing a traumatic brain injury following the confrontation, marking what Spanish outlet Marca has described as "the most serious ever" incident at a facility notorious for its boiling tensions.

In a lengthy 425-word statement posted to social media, Valverde claimed he had not been struck and had not struck his teammate either, instead suggesting he had "accidentally hit a table" during the row. Tchouameni subsequently shared leaked direct messages backing this account, insisting "I didn't punch him."

However, The Athletic has been informed by club insiders that Tchouameni's strike did connect. One source present at the training ground described the situation as "very sad, everything that is happening" and warned that "the club has a huge problem."

How It Escalated

The friction first surfaced on Wednesday when Tchouameni took issue with what he viewed as an excessively robust tackle from Valverde. Teammates intervened in the dressing room to defuse the mounting tension before matters could spiral further.

The pair appeared to have smoothed things over following that initial flare-up. Come Thursday's training session, however, Valverde pointedly shook hands with every teammate except Tchouameni upon arrival.

During the session itself, Valverde proceeded to pepper Tchouameni with a series of forceful challenges, which the Frenchman absorbed without retaliation. When coaching staff divided the group into two squads, Valverde took the opportunity to tell Tchouameni he "was lucky to avoid facing him"—a needless bit of gamesmanship that appeared designed to wind up his opponent.

After training wrapped up, Tchouameni called Valverde over. Words were exchanged, with Valverde allegedly insulting the midfielder, at which point Tchouameni struck him. The pair grappled, Valverde's head connected with a table, and he lost consciousness before bleeding profusely. Tchouameni was visibly concerned as his teammate lay motionless, remaining so until Valverde came round and was transported to hospital.

What Happens Next?

Real Madrid announced Thursday evening that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against both players. While the club hasn't specified what sanctions await them, sources connected to senior figures at the Bernabéu have suggested it would be "impossible" for either to remain at the club.

Multiple sources have pointed the finger at Valverde for deliberately provoking Tchouameni throughout the ordeal. One commentator claimed the 27-year-old "has been like this all year" and possesses an attitude "unworthy of a captain."