A new dawn for Real Madrid! Xabi Alonso, the newly appointed head coach of the club, is ready to make his mark on the next FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States starting on June 18, 2025. With a bold vision and a fresh approach, Alonso has made a decision that has captured the attention of fans and experts alike: to include two young talents from the academy, Jesús Fortea and Diego Aguado, in the first team squad for this prestigious tournament. This choice not only reflects the coach’s confidence in youth, but also signals the beginning of a new era for Real Madrid, one that promises to combine experience with the vigor of emerging talents.
Jesús Fortea, 18, is a right-back who has been described as one of Spanish football’s brightest gems in his position. Signed from Atlético Madrid at 15, his move broke the non-aggression pact between the two Madrid clubs, demonstrating the faith Real Madrid had in his potential. Fortea, who has yet to make his first-team debut, will make a direct jump from the youth team, bypassing Castilla, a rare decision that underscores his exceptional talent. Meanwhile, Diego Aguado, also 18, brings versatility to the team, capable of playing at left-back or center-back. Aguado already had a small first-team debut under Carlo Ancelotti in the Copa del Rey, giving him a slight advantage in experience over Fortea. Both players, according to reports from Marca and AS, have been dropped from Spain’s U-19 squad for the European Championship, prioritizing this unique opportunity to shine on the world stage with Real Madrid.
Alonso’s decision to invest in these youngsters is no coincidence. During his successful time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a historic Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in the 2023-24 season, Alonso demonstrated a knack for developing young talents, such as Florian Wirtz and Piero Hincapié. His tactical approach, based on a dynamic 3-4-3 system, and his emphasis on integrating youth players make him the ideal candidate to lead this transition at Real Madrid. The training sessions in the United States, ahead of the Club World Cup, will serve as a crucial testing ground for Fortea and Aguado, who will have the opportunity to prove their worth alongside established stars like Thibaut Courtois and recent signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
The inclusion of Fortea and Aguado also responds to the club’s broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad after a trophyless 2024-25 season. According to sources such as Madrid Universal and Yahoo Sports, Alonso plans to bring other young talents to the tournament, including Jacobo Ramón, Gonzalo García, Chema Andrés, and Víctor Muñoz, reinforcing his commitment to La Fábrica. This approach is not only financially sustainable but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride among the players trained at the club. Reports from Álvaro Arbeloa, former youth team coach now in charge of Castilla, have been instrumental in the selection of Fortea and Aguado, highlighting their potential to compete at the highest level.
The Club World Cup, which will be played in an expanded 32-team format, represents a unique opportunity for Real Madrid to regain its dominance on the international stage. In Group H, alongside Al Hilal, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg, the Whites will look to impose their authority under Alonso. For Fortea, this will be a golden opportunity to establish himself as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s backup at right back, while Aguado could find playing time as a left center back in a three-man defense, according to La SER.
Alonso’s commitment to youth is not without risks. Changing Ancelotti’s style of play to a more dynamic and tactically demanding one will require time and adjustment, especially with a squad that has faced criticism for its lack of consistency last season. However, Real Madrid’s history is full of moments where boldness and trust in young talent have paid off. With Fortea and Aguado ready to write their own chapter, Real Madrid fans have reason to dream of a bright future at the Club World Cup and beyond.
