Kylian Mbappe‘s blockbuster move was confirmed before the 2024 Euros. But due to the competition, his grand unveiling has to wait till the tournament is over. According to reports, Mbappe will be unveiled on Tuesday and before that he will not be a part of Real Madrid players’ WhatsApp group. It’s Chendo’s decision and what Chendo says is the law in the dressing room, even if you’re Mbappe.
But who exactly is he? This question has echoed around the social media since Dani Carvajal revealed that Chendo is yet to add Mbappe to the group. To many, he’s the WhatsApp group admin, to many he’s a team delegate, but for true Madridista’s he’s a legend.
🗣️ Dani Carvajal: “Kylian Mbappé is not in our WhatsApp group yet, I hope Chendo, our group admin, adds him soon.” pic.twitter.com/fSqMFFsxIk
And why wouldn’t he be? Chendo has seen the club win 9 Champions Leagues during his tenure with the Los Blancos. One of them came in 1998 when Chendo was a player. Yes, Chendo, also known as Miguel Porlán Noguera was a part of the Madrid squad that ended a long 32-year wait for the holy grail of European football.
Chendo’s tale with Madrid began in 1977 when a 15-year-old boy from Totana joined the youth ranks of the club. Through Castilla the right-back made his Real Madrid debut in 1982 and after 496 appearances left as a legend.
No, he just left his playing career behind. Just after his retirement in 1998, Chendo became a delegate to the first team by replacing Ignacio Zoco.
Now in 2024, he’s still there, counting each trophy the all whites hoard. Chendo’s personal trophy case isn’t too bad either. Decorated with 7 La Liga, 2 Copa Del Rey, 5 Super Copa de Espana, 2 UEFA Cup and a Champion League, Chendo is no ordinary WhatsApp group admin.
His ever-present smile gleams through the pictures the Madrid players take while holding their medals alongside him, just like a proud father.
Chendo celebrating UCL win with Real Madrid squad (Image Credit: X/MZ)
Probably in all those players, Chendo looks to find some solace. His first-born son probably would’ve taken photos with him too with a medal around his neck, but tragedy made sure it never happened. Chendo was involved in a car accident near Quintanar de la Orden in 1986. He and his wife overcame the ordeal, but their one-month old son wasn’t so fortunate. Miguel Jr. died in the crash and since then Chendo has protected the club like his own child and keeps on doing so even at the age of 62.
Reports emerged last year that the 2023/24 will be his last season with Madrid. After him, Mejia Davila will take on the responsibility as the team delegate, according to Pipi Estrada.
But as of now, there’s no Comunicado Official regarding the claim by the Spanish journalist. On top of that, Carvajal’s statement indicated, that Chendo is there to stay. It would be heartbreaking for the Madrid populace to see Chendo leave before completing 50 years at the club, which will be completed in 2027.
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