Real Madrid’s Valdebebas Academy: A Hub for Football Legacies

Real Madrid’s Valdebebas academy is renowned for producing some of Spain’s finest football talents, and it’s no surprise that many former professionals trust Los Blancos with the development of their children. In total, 18 members of La Fabrica’s ranks have close family ties in the professional game.

Perhaps the most famous examples are the sons of Zinedine Zidane. Luca Zidane and Enzo Zidane have already come through at Castilla, with Luca playing as a goalkeeper for Eibar in Segunda, and Enzo now plying his trade at Rodez Aveyron in Ligue 2. Meanwhile, the Zidane family legacy continues with midfielder Theo Zidane (21) and Elyaz Zidane (17), both on the verge of making their mark in the professional game. Theo plays in midfield for Castilla, while Elyaz is a promising defender with the under-19s.

Close to a first-team breakthrough are Nico Paz, son of Pablo, Cesar Palacios, son of the eponymous former Osasuna and Numancia player, and Lucas Canizares, the offspring of the famous former Valencia shot-stopper Santi Canizares.

Joining Elyaz Zidane in the under-19s is Alex Sanchez, son of Girona manager Michel, and Jose Antonio Reyes, the son of the dearly departed former Arsenal, Sevilla, and Real Madrid forward of the same name.

At the under-15 level, Enzo Alves, son of Marcelo, has already earned a call-up to the Spanish national team. Full-back Manu Romero, whose father is former Uruguay and Malaga player Marcelo ‘El Gato’ Romero, is also making a name for himself.

In the youngest ranks of the academy, Martin Carbonero, son of Iker Casillas, shares a dressing room with Ethan, son of Javier Balboa, both former Real Madrid players. Carbonero follows in his father’s footsteps as a goalkeeper, aiming to emulate just a fraction of his legendary father’s ability.

At the youngest level, several children hail from more current figures at Real Madrid. Leo Hazard, Lucas Vazquez, and Nicolas Courtois are the offspring of fathers who were part of the team as of last season.

In the women’s academy, former Sevilla and Getafe midfielder Javi Casquero’s daughter, Bibiana, is part of the under-19s. Castilla manager Raul Gonzalez has the privilege of watching his daughter Maria play by simply crossing the pitches at Valdebebas.

Current Villarreal and former Barcelona central defender Jorge Cuenca also has family members in the youth setup at Valdebebas. Siblings Ruth and David, both operating as defenders, are following their brother’s path in the beautiful game.