Santiago Bernabeu
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Real Madrid have never been widely recognised for consistently producing first-team regulars from their academy.
Yet the narrative around La Fabrica has been shifting in recent years. The club may allow some youngsters to leave permanently, but they often secure smart contractual protections to keep the door open should a player blossom elsewhere.
That approach is now beginning to show its value.
In particular, Real Madrid’s youth system has seen a wave of highly talented defenders emerging, and several of them have already demonstrated significant potential.
Names such as Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon have impressed enough to reinforce the idea that defensive growth inside La Fabrica is stronger than many assumed.
Now, according to AS, another young defender is rapidly climbing the internal ranks, namely, Ariel Nkoghe.
Nkoghe, only 18 years of age, has been a central figure for Real Madrid’s Juvenil A side this season.
The team has conceded just seven goals so far, and those who watch the youth squads closely agree that his influence has been immense.
He combines physical presence with a strong understanding of defensive positioning, making him one of the most complete prospects to emerge from the academy in recent years.
His adaptability makes him even more valuable, as he can operate naturally both in central defence and on the left side of the backline, which makes it understandable why he idolises Antonio Rudiger and Nuno Mendes.
As such, the coaching staff view him as a long-term investment. In fact, his progress throughout the season has placed him on track for a promotion to Castilla next year.
Beyond his club ambitions, Nkoghe is also determined to re-establish himself within Spain’s youth national teams after previously representing the country at U-16 and U-17 levels.
For a club often associated with superstar signings, talents like Nkoghe serve as a reminder that Real Madrid’s academy remains capable of shaping the defenders of the future, quietly, steadily, and with growing belief.
Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid home
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid home
Real Madrid have received multiple inquiries. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)