A new dawn for Real Madrid! Xabi Alonso, the newly appointed coach of the White Club, is ready to leave his mark at the next FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States from 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 equally: including two young talents of the quarry, Jesús Fortea and Diego Aguado, in the Team template for this prestigious tournament. This choice not only reflects the confidence of the technician in youth, but also points out the beginning of a new era for Real Madrid, one that promises to combine experience with the vigor of emerging promises.
Jesús Fortea, 18, is a right side that has been described as one of the brightest jewels of Spanish football in his position. Coming from Atlético de Madrid at age 15, his transfer broke the non -aggression pact between the two Madrid clubs, which demonstrates the faith that Real Madrid had in its potential. Fortea, who has not debuted with the first team, will make a direct leap from the youth team, without going through Castilla, a rare decision that underlines its exceptional talent. For his part, Diego Aguado, also 18 years old, brings versatility to the team, capable of performing as a left or central side. Aguado already had a small debut with the first team under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti in the Copa del Rey, which gives him a slight advantage in experience about Fortea. Both players, according to brand and AS reports, have been withdrawn from the preliminary list of the Spanish Sub-19 team for the European Championship, prioritizing this unique opportunity to shine on the world stage with Real Madrid.
Alonso’s decision to bet on these young people is no accident. During his successful step by the Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a historical double in the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal in the 2023-24 season, Alonso demonstrated a special ability to develop young talents, such as Florian Wirtz and Piero emphasis. Its tactical approach, based on a dynamic 3-4-3 system, and its emphasis on the integration of quarry players, make it the ideal candidate to lead this transition in Real Madrid. Training days in the United States, prior to the Club World Cup, will serve as a crucial testing field for Fortea and Aguado, who will have the opportunity to demonstrate their worth with consolidated stars such as Thibaut Courtois and the recent signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
The inclusion of Fortea and Aguado also responds to a broader strategy of the club to rejuvenate the squad after a 2024-25 season without trophies. According to sources such as Madrid Universal and Yahoo Sports, Alonso plans to take other young talents to the tournament, including Jacobo Ramón, Gonzalo García, Chema Andrés and Víctor Muñoz, which reinforces their commitment to the factory. This approach is not only sustainable from the economic point of view, but also encourages a sense of belonging and pride among the players trained in the club. The reports of Álvaro Arbeloa, former director of the youth team and now in charge of Castilla, have been fundamental for the selection of Fortea and Aguado, highlighting their potential to compete at the highest level.
The Club World Cup, which will be played with an expanded 32 team format, represents a unique opportunity for Real Madrid to recover its dominance on the international stage. In Group H, next to Al Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, the whites will seek to impose their authority under the baton of Alonso. For Fortea, this will be a gold chance to consolidate as the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side, while Aguado could find minutes like Central Izquierdo in a formation of three defenses, according to reports of the SER.
Alonso’s bet for youth is not exempt from risks. Changing the Ancelotti game style for a more dynamic and tactically demanding one will require time and adjustments, especially with a template that has faced criticism for its lack of consistency in the previous campaign. However, the history of Real Madrid is full of moments when audacity and confidence in young talent have paid off. With Fortea and Aguado ready to write their own chapter, Real Madrid fans have reasons to dream of a brilliant future in the Club World Cup and beyond.
