Real Madrid left-back Fran García has been called up by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, stepping into the squad following an injury to Grimaldo, and elmundo.es reported that the 27-year-old defender earned the selection, rewarding a career trajectory that brought him to Real Betis after a stint at Real Madrid.
The Neighborhood Runner Who Caught the Coach’s Eye
Residents in the Valdelasfuentes neighborhood of Alcobendas, Madrid, grew accustomed to seeing a familiar figure jogging through the streets ahead of dinner. Standing 1.69 meters tall with a stocky build, Fran García blended in easily as an ordinary runner. Behind the casual evening jogs, however, lies an intense dedication to physical conditioning. People close to the player describe him as obsessed with his fitness regimen, to the point where conditioning staff occasionally have to intervene and force him to rest.
How the Call-Up Unfolded in Seville
The opportunity arose during training preparations in Seville when Bayer Leverkusen left-back Álex Grimaldo felt tightness in his quadriceps during rondo drills. Medical checks confirmed the next day that Grimaldo could not continue with the squad. While some observers anticipated a call for Real Sociedad’s Sergio Gómez, Luis de la Fuente instead turned to García, a player he has tracked since youth international levels.
A Relationship Forged in Spain’s Youth Setup
De la Fuente first integrated García into the under-19 national team back in 2017, having already known him from under-17 call-ups initiated by Santi Denia. When De la Fuente took charge of the senior national team in March 2023, he initially favored José Luis Gayá and Alejandro Balde. Injuries to those options later opened doors, and after various physical setbacks among alternate selections, García earned consideration in the senior setup, though veterans like Jordi Alba featured in the immediate matches that followed.
Returning to the Bernabéu and Moving to Betis
That same summer, Real Madrid exercised options to bring back the academy product who had spent three seasons away. Back in Valdebebas, García competed with Ferland Mendy and, later, with arrivals brought in for significant fees. Recognizing the need for consistent playing time, García completed a four-million-euro transfer to Real Betis, where he secured a regular starting role under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Addressing the selection, Luis de la Fuente spoke to reporters about the defender’s return to regular minutes. “It is good news that he has started playing again, he is a guy we have known for a long time, like almost everyone, and we know what he can give us. We have a lot of confidence in him,” De la Fuente stated.
Roots in Bolaños de Calatrava and Family Ties
Born in Ciudad Real and raised in Bolaños de Calatrava—a town he returns to every summer while keeping his distinct regional accent intact—García joined Real Madrid’s academy in 2013. He climbed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in a 2018 Copa del Rey fixture where he provided an assist for Isco. Following a successful spell at Rayo Vallecano, his return to Madrid yielded a La Liga title, a Champions League trophy, and two Spanish Super Cups. He is also a distant cousin of Atlético Madrid midfielder Koke.
Spain Faces the Czech Republic in Oviedo
Spain meets the Czech Republic in Oviedo, where a victory could effectively secure qualification for the quarterfinals, depending on results elsewhere in the group. While competition from established options like Marc Cucurella and Grimaldo remains fierce, García’s familiarity with the tactical demands of the national team keeps him firmly in the plans of the coaching staff.
Real Betis Pays Four Million Euros for García
Real Betis paid a reported four million euro transfer fee to acquire the left-back after he spent three seasons competing for minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Santi Denia initially called up García for Spain’s under-17 national team before De la Fuente worked with him at the under-19 level.
Following his return from Rayo Vallecano, García won a La Liga title, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and two Spanish Super Cups with Real Madrid.
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