Power forward Eli John Ndiaye has returned to Real Madrid on a two-year contract running through 2028 following a brief stint in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Spanish club secured the 22-year-old by matching an offer from rival domestic team Valencia Basket to retain his rights. Ndiaye had previously spent four seasons with Real Madrid between 2021 and 2025 before moving to the United States, where he did not make a senior appearance for Atlanta.
Real Madrid Baloncesto is one of the most successful sports institutions in Spain, competing in both the domestic Liga Endesa and the top-tier EuroLeague. Ndiaye's return strengthens the squad's frontcourt options as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Frontcourt additions and trophy history
Standing 2.04 metres tall, Ndiaye built a strong record during his initial spell in the Spanish capital. He won eight trophies with Real Madrid during his previous four-year tenure, securing one EuroLeague title, three Liga Endesa championships, one Copa del Rey trophy, and three Spanish Super Cups.
The power forward is part of a major roster update by the Madrid front office. The club has also confirmed the signings of interior player Olivier Sarr, guard Max Shulga, forward Jaime Pradilla, wing Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, and forward Mikael Jantunen.
Preseason preparations under Pedro Martínez
Real Madrid officially launched their preseason preparations on Monday, 17 August 2026. Players reported for standard physical and medical examinations split between the club's Ciudad Real Madrid complex in Valdebebas and the Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja in Madrid.
The medical check-ups mark the beginning of work under new head coach Pedro Martínez. The veteran coach takes charge of the bench following the dismissal of former head coach Sergio Scariolo ahead of the new season.
Squad departures and Sergio Llull leadership
The coaching change coincides with significant turnover in the playing squad. Forward Mario Hezonja has departed the club despite holding a contract that ran through 2029, alongside fellow departures Trey Lyles, Alex Len, and German player David Kramer.
Despite the roster changes, veteran guard Sergio Llull will remain as team captain. Llull has signed a one-year contract extension to enter his 20th consecutive season with Real Madrid, continuing his record as the player with the most official appearances in the history of the basketball division.
Warm-up matches and EuroLeague opener
Real Madrid will play three preparation matches before beginning their competitive fixture list. Their first friendly takes place on 5 September against Baskonia in the I Memorial Urbano González Escapa.
The team will then travel to Andalusia the following week to compete in the XV Torneo Costa del Sol on 11 and 12 September, facing matches against La Laguna Tenerife and Unicaja.
Real Madrid will make their official season debut on 24 September with a EuroLeague fixture against Dubai Basketball.
