Real Madrid secured a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds with a win over Braga. The result also sparked a notable moment for Carlo Ancelotti as the coach started to introduce a fresh wave of talent, including Nico Paz. Paz, an Argentine-Spanish talent, made his first appearance in the senior squad amid the club’s push toward youth integration.
Relating to
- Real Madrid-Braga to the last 16 with Brahim and Lunin
Nico Paz was brought on at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the same match, Fede Valverde featured in a double substitution as Joselu replaced Rodrygo. The crowd greeted Paz with a standing ovation, a sign of the club’s growing faith in the young player.
Real Madrid-Braga: To the last 16 with Brahim and Lunin
Fermin de la Calle
Who is Nico Paz
People asked who Nico Paz is. Teammates and coaches quickly highlighted his talent. Toni Kroos spoke highly of the then 19-year-old, praising his potential and noting that Paz deserved more opportunities with the senior team. Paz earned his first extended glimpse during pre season, appearing in a match against AC Milan and impressing with his approach and technique.
77′ | 3-0 | Double change: Joselu and Rodrygo entered; Paz and Valverde came on as replacements. This substitution pattern reflected Paz’s early integration into the squad.
— Real Madrid CF
Big project feeling
The club atmosphere around Paz is charged with expectation. The 19-year-old, with roots in Spain and Argentina, emerged as a standout from the Arbeloa Juvenile A team, where he helped win multiple titles. He also contributed to Real Madrid Castilla, adding goals and assists in the lower divisions and turning heads in crucial playoff matches. These performances underscored his potential to become a long-term asset for the first team.
As a technically gifted midfielder, Paz attracted attention for his dribbling, decision-making, and ability to influence play from central areas. At 18 he already stands about 1.85 meters tall and carries 79 kilograms, a profile that positions him well for the demands of senior football.
#madridistas, Nico Paz has a message for you from UCLA.
— Real Madrid Furnace
He holds a contract through 2027, and while the first team roster often features a crowded midfield, Paz has begun to show that he can compete with established players. His leadership and consistent performances in training and competitive matches have drawn attention from the coaching staff, increasing the sense that he could become a fixture in the squad in the near future.
Who is Nico Paz and why did he earn this spot
Nico Paz was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on September 8, 2004. His father, Pablo Paz, was a veteran defender who played for Argentina and later built his career in Spain. This football lineage helped Paz develop early in the Canary Islands before joining the youth ranks at CD Tenerife. Real Madrid identified his potential as far back as his time in Infantil B, guiding his progression into the club’s youth and reserve teams. Paz later became a cornerstone for the Arbeloa Juvenile A squad and then Real Madrid Castilla, where his performances helped him rise through the ranks toward the first team.
His development continued under the guidance of the club’s coaching staff, including Raúl, who integrated Paz into Castilla’s setup and prepared him for higher levels of competition. Paz’s trajectory at Real Madrid has been marked by steady improvement, notable technical ability, and leadership that has drawn comparisons to the club’s current midfield generation.
Sensational moments from Paz in youth and reserve matches showcased his promise and helped secure opportunities with the senior squad during pre season and competitive fixtures. His progress has generated considerable attention among fans and analysts, framing him as a potential long term contributor to Real Madrid’s midfield core.
This rapid ascent has even influenced discussions about his international future, with both Argentina and Spain watching closely as Paz develops. The dynamic has drawn attention from national team programs eager to secure a player with Paz’s versatility and vision for the middle of the park.
Real Madrid have continued to monitor Paz’s growth, with the club’s leadership signaling openness to his continued development within the senior setup as they balance immediate needs with long term planning.
Made his debut against a storied European powerhouse
Midfield remains one of Real Madrid’s most competitive areas. Paz’s first team debut came during a tour match against a major European club, where he entered play and demonstrated the qualities that had fans buzzing in the days leading up to the game. He impressed with energy, technique, and the ability to read the game, even in a familiar system still evolving in the early stages. His performance foreshadowed a potential path to further responsibilities as the season progressed.
Nico Paz is already a talking point among supporters and pundits, with many believing he could become a fixture for the club’s midfield in the coming seasons. As the club continues to cultivate its homegrown talent, Paz stands out as a symbol of Real Madrid’s commitment to youth development and competitive ambition for the future.