Jacobo Ramon of Como
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Jacobo Ramon is one of many Real Madrid academy graduates to have sought first-team football away from the Bernabeu, having joined Italian side Como last season.
The defender, who made his Real Madrid debut in January 2025, is now looking to establish himself in Italy under Cesc Fabregas, with Los Blancos retaining a buy-back option.
Speaking to EFE during Spain’s Under-21 training camp, Ramon touched on a possible Real Madrid return, the exodus of academy talent and the Ballon d’Or race, among other things.
On his future and a Real Madrid return
The centre-back made clear his focus remains firmly on the present and his development at Como.
**“I’m focused on the present. I’m very happy at Como and I’m only thinking about doing my best this season, winning a lot of games and getting as far as possible,**” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Jacobo Ramon, Como player
Jacobo Ramon is not thinking about a Real Madrid return right now. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He also offered his take on the wave of young players leaving Real Madrid for opportunities elsewhere.
“It’s a good sign because it shows how well the youth academy is working,” Ramon said.
“They wouldn’t get as many minutes with the first team, but they do get them playing time elsewhere, giving them the confidence to develop as footballers and show what fantastic players they are.”
On Barcelona’s academy and breaking through at Madrid
Ramon was asked whether he felt any envy at how Barcelona hand opportunities to their academy players.
“Honestly, no. Every player has their own path, their own timing, and makes the best decision they think is right for them.
“At Barça, if they’re given the opportunity and they want to stay, and so on, but at Madrid, if you see that you can get more playing time or if you think it’s best to leave and develop, then go for it. But, no, no envy whatsoever,” he said.
He also addressed the challenge of establishing oneself at Real Madrid.
“At Real Madrid, you have the best players in the world; playing time isn’t handed out, but last year saw the most debuts.
“Two years ago, I debuted, along with Chema (Andres), Victor (Munoz), Gonzalo (Garcia), so many people, and I’m sure more will make their debuts,” he noted.
On the Ballon d’Or and Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Ramon believes Mbappe deserves the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Finally, Ramon gave his verdict on the Ballon d’Or race, backing former teammate Kylian Mbappe, who himself has been making a push for the award.
“There are many opinions. For me, Mbappe has had a fantastic season; he’s a fantastic player. Plus, having trained with him, I know he’s unstoppable, and for me, between him and Lamine (Yamal), they’re the candidates,” he said.
The defender, who trained against Real Madrid’s stars during his time at the club, also revealed which players he found toughest to face.
“In training, definitely. (Toni) Kroos and (Luka) Modric impressed me a lot, but as defenders, Mbappe and Vinicius are tough,” he concluded.
Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid player
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
The first international break of the season is finally here and while not many are looking forward to it, especially after a scintillating World Cup, the break will offer many national teams a chance to try out some new formulas while for others, it could be a complete reset.
One of the teams staring towards a new formula is the Netherlands, which has hired former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach.
As Xavi looks to take charge for the first time for the Oranje, he has made an important decision, as far as his team captains are concerned.
Dumfries appointed second captain
Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid player
Dumfries will play a key leadership role under Xavi. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As reported by AS, Xavi has named Real Madrid’s Denzel Dumfries as the Netherlands’ second captain for this international break, behind first-choice skipper Virgil van Dijk.
The decision comes with Frenkie de Jong, previously the second captain, sidelined through injury, along with the absence of Memphis Depay. Nathan Ake and Cody Gakpo complete the leadership group behind Dumfries.
Xavi explained his thinking on the matter, indicating the arrangement could yet change.
“During this period, we will continue (as captains) with Denzel, Nathan, and Cody. And we will decide in November,” the coach said, while confirming that “Virgil will be our captain.”
It represents a nice moment of recognition for Dumfries, who has enjoyed a strong start to life at Real Madrid following his summer move from Inter Milan.
A landmark for Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands
Xavi rates Dumfries quite highly due to his experience. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The appointment also carries historical significance for the Dutch full-back.
With 76 caps and almost a decade of international experience, Dumfries could equal a record for captaincy held by legends such as Mark van Bommel, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert during this break.
For Xavi, meanwhile, this marks his first international experience since leaving Barcelona, with the Netherlands facing Germany, Serbia and Greece in the opening rounds of the UEFA Nations League.
The Spaniard was in confident mood ahead of the Germany clash, praising the intensity of his players and describing opposing coach Jurgen Klopp as “one of the best coaches in the world.”
For Dumfries, producing a string of solid displays could go a long way in further enhancing his place in the Dutch national team while also helping him make a strong case to Jose Mourinho, when the season restarts.