Real Madrid Youth Dominates: U18 Cadete Team Crowned Liga Ahorramas Champions
The Real Madrid U18 basketball team has claimed the Liga Ahorramas cadete title, defeating Pablo Laso Academy 74-66 in a hard-fought final at the UCJC Sports Club in Madrid on April 27, 2025. The victory marks another milestone for the club’s youth academy, which has consistently produced top-tier talent in Spanish basketball.
Final Showdown: Real Madrid’s Path to Glory
The final was a clash of titans, with both teams showcasing depth, athleticism, and tactical discipline. Real Madrid, led by head coach Armando Gómez Gago, entered the final undefeated in the league, but their dominance was far from guaranteed against a determined Pablo Laso Academy side. The match was part of the Liga Ahorramas cadete phase final, which also awarded three spots for the Campeonato de España cadete, held May 18-24 in San Fernando.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Real Madrid’s physicality and three-point shooting clashing against Pablo Laso Academy’s defensive intensity. The final score of 74-66 belied the competitive nature of the match, which saw both teams trade leads throughout the four quarters.
Key players for Real Madrid included Mahamadou Landoure (10 points, 10 rebounds), Aaron Ona (13 points, 3 three-pointers), and Andrej Fantic (9 points). Pablo Laso Academy’s standout performer was Ilhan David Ngamunguela, who scored 20 points and anchored their offense.
The victory earned Real Madrid a spot in the Campeonato de España cadete, where they later went on to claim their 13th national title by defeating FC Barcelona in the final.
What It Means for Real Madrid’s Youth Academy
This triumph underscores the depth of Real Madrid’s youth development system, which has long been a cornerstone of the club’s success. The U18 team, competing in both the Liga Ahorramas cadete and the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, has consistently produced players capable of competing at the highest levels.
The team’s roster includes emerging talents such as Souleymane Abdelkerim, Aikel Marvis, and Omer Kutluay, who have already drawn interest from European scouts. The Liga Ahorramas cadete title adds to the club’s recent achievements, including their second UEFA Youth League title in April 2026, further cementing Real Madrid’s reputation as a global leader in youth basketball.
For the players, the victory is a testament to their hard work and the club’s commitment to nurturing talent. Many of these young athletes are expected to progress to Real Madrid’s senior teams, where they will continue to develop under the guidance of the club’s coaching staff.
Liga Ahorramas Cadete: A League on the Rise
The Liga Ahorramas cadete is a key developmental league for youth basketball in Madrid, organized by the Federación de Baloncesto de Madrid (FBM). The league features teams from top academies across the region, including Zentro Basket Madrid, CB Las Rozas Probasketlab, and Movistar Estudiantes.
The format of the league includes a regular season followed by playoffs, culminating in a final weekend where the top teams compete for the title and spots in the Campeonato de España cadete. The Liga Ahorramas cadete is sponsored by Ahorramas, a supermarket chain committed to promoting youth sports and healthy lifestyles in Spain.
The 2025-2026 season saw Real Madrid’s U18 team go undefeated in the regular season, a feat that highlighted their dominance in the league. Their path to the final included victories over strong opponents, including CB Las Rozas Probasketlab and Zentro Basket Madrid, who secured the third spot in the final standings.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Real Madrid’s Youth Teams?
With the Liga Ahorramas cadete title secured, Real Madrid’s U18 team will now focus on the Campeonato de España cadete, where they will look to defend their championship crown. The team’s next major challenge is the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, a prestigious European competition for youth teams.
In addition to the U18 team, Real Madrid’s youth academy includes U16, U14, and U12 teams, all of which compete in their respective Liga Ahorramas divisions. The academy’s success is a reflection of the club’s long-term vision, which prioritizes player development over short-term results.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as these young players continue to progress, with many expected to craft their debuts for Real Madrid’s senior team in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- The Real Madrid U18 team won the Liga Ahorramas cadete title, defeating Pablo Laso Academy 74-66 in the final.
- Key performers included Mahamadou Landoure, Aaron Ona, and Andrej Fantic for Real Madrid, and Ilhan David Ngamunguela for Pablo Laso Academy.
- The victory earned Real Madrid a spot in the Campeonato de España cadete, where they later claimed their 13th national title.
- The Liga Ahorramas cadete is a developmental league organized by the Federación de Baloncesto de Madrid (FBM), featuring top youth teams from across the region.
- Real Madrid’s youth academy continues to produce talent, with many players expected to progress to the senior team in the future.
How to Follow Real Madrid’s Youth Teams
For updates on Real Madrid’s youth teams, follow their official channels:
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