Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, faces a significant, albeit temporary, personnel shortage as nine of its rising stars depart for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The tournament, scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13, has drawn talent from across the globe, forcing the club to adjust its rosters mid-season.
The impact of this international call-up is felt most acutely by the Juvenil A squad, currently leading their league and performing strongly in the UEFA Youth League. Manager Álvaro López will be without five key contributors during this period, requiring the club to integrate younger prospects from the lower ranks to maintain momentum.
Nine Madrid players selected for international duty
The nine players selected represent a diverse range of national teams, highlighting the global reach of Real Madrid’s recruitment efforts. Spain has secured the largest contingent from the academy, selecting Guille Ponce, Marco Company, Enzo Alves, and Yeremaiah. Other players heading to Qatar include Leo Lemaitre (France), Edu Valentín (Romania), Omar Chaoui (Morocco), Gorka Abascal (Colombia), and Alfred Mbella (Cameroon).
The departure of these players creates a void in the Juvenil A lineup. Among those missing are goalkeeper Guille Ponce, midfielder Marco Company, and forwards Enzo Alves and Yeremaiah. Yeremaiah, who recently served as the primary striker for the club’s Intercontinental U-20 squad, is a notable absence for the coaching staff. France’s selection of Leo Lemaitre further complicates the tactical planning for the coming weeks.
Academy promotes Gorka Abascal amid absences
While the Juvenil A team manages these absences, the club is looking toward players from the Juvenil B and Cadete A squads to fill the gaps. The academy’s depth remains a focal point, as coaches look for specific players to step into leadership roles during the international break.
Among the players drawing attention is Gorka Abascal, a 2010-born midfielder who has been a subject of interest for both the Spanish and Colombian football federations. Currently representing Colombia, Abascal is described as a box-to-box midfielder with notable physicality and technical ability. Joining him in the spotlight is 15-year-old forward Alfred Mbella, who has been called up to the Cameroon U-17 side. Mbella’s rapid progression from the Cadete A squad highlights the rapid development of players within the Valdebebas system.
Impact on the youth season timeline
The absence of these players is a temporary shift for the club, though it serves as a test of the academy’s bench strength. While players like Mateo Garrido, who is currently established with Real Madrid C, and others such as Cherif, Del Pino, and Bugarín were previously considered for selection, the final list for the tournament has forced a tactical re-evaluation at the youth level.
The club has not yet detailed its long-term contingency plans for the fixtures scheduled during the tournament dates. The focus remains on how these specific players perform on the international stage in Qatar and how the academy’s remaining core adapts to the shifts in their respective league schedules.
