Carlo Ancelotti Hails Martin Odegaard Ahead of Champions League Showdown

Martin Odegaard will face his former employers for the first time since making a permanent move to Arsenal.

Carlo Ancelotti hails Martin Odegaard, praising the Norwegian midfielder for his extraordinary transformation since leaving the Spanish giants as Arsenal prepares to face Real Madrid in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final. The Real Madrid manager’s bold claim—that Odegaard is now “one of the best midfielders in Europe”—sets the stage for a high-stakes reunion filled with emotion and anticipation.

Odegaard’s journey has been a remarkable one. Signed by Real Madrid at the age of 16 in 2015, the young talent struggled to secure consistent playing time in a team stacked with superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. After enduring a series of loan spells, Odegaard joined Arsenal permanently in 2021, and under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, he has blossomed into the Gunners’ captain and a key figure in their resurgence.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Reflecting on Odegaard’s development, Carlo Ancelotti hails Martin Odegaard for his determination to seek opportunities beyond Madrid. “He was very young when he arrived, and the competition made it difficult for him to get minutes,” Ancelotti admitted. “But he had the courage to grow elsewhere, and now he is among Europe’s finest midfielders.”

The upcoming Champions League clash adds a sentimental dimension to Odegaard’s career. Leading Arsenal against his former club, the Norwegian will aim to inspire the Gunners to a historic semi-final berth. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, will rely on their vast experience and tactical expertise as they chase yet another European crown.

This eagerly awaited showdown is not just a test of footballing skills but also a testament to Odegaard’s resilience and growth. With Carlo Ancelotti hailing Martin Odegaard for his journey, the match promises to be a compelling narrative of talent, ambition, and destiny converging on football’s grandest stage.