Real Madrid’s Young Stars Eye First Team Placement

VALDEBEBAS, Spain — As Real Madrid prepares for the upcoming season, the club is considering more academy players for its first team. Gonzalo, a rising star, is just the beginning as the club nurtures young talent.

On October 19, 2025, club officials indicated that there is no rush to make decisions on players currently honing their skills away from the main squad. Nico Paz‘s return last season has set a precedent, inspiring others like Chema Andrés, who are eager for a spot in the first team.

Real Madrid’s strategy involves evaluating players carefully before deciding on their promotion to the first team. This was evident in the management of Miguel Gutiérrez, who was retained for three seasons before finally making his return to the squad.

The club’s operations highlight that the right timing is essential for each player’s transition. Fran García, for example, has shown that a player’s development might take time, with over one hundred appearances for Rayo before joining Madrid.

Recent performances indicate that the academy continues to produce quality players. In the latest FIFA window, fourteen academy graduates were part of Spain’s national teams across different age levels, showcasing the talent generated at Valdebebas.

Gonzalo’s debut in the first team has invigorated the academy atmosphere, encouraging other talents like Alex Jiménez and Yusi to aim for the next level. However, there remains no definitive decision on which players will return to the first team next season.

As the club enters crucial months leading up to June, all eyes will be on the progress of these young athletes. Each player’s development will influence the decisions made at the club, impacting the future direction of Real Madrid’s squad.