The son of Santi Cañizares rises through Real Madrid’s famed academy system, progressing from the junior teams to Castilla as a goalkeeper who has earned his opportunities through steady development. His path mirrors that of many academy graduates who blend lineage with hard work, seizing chances in higher squads while refining skills between training sessions and decisive cup ties.
Real Madrid’s journey to Rabat for the Club World Cup came with notable disruptions, as injuries reshaped the squad’s plans. In particular, the goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury in the warm-up against Real Mallorca, forcing him to miss the tournament. This development opened chances for younger custodians to step forward, as the club adjusted player registrations for the event and explored fresh opportunities for its emerging netminders.
ALL ABOUT REAL MADRID VS. AL-AHLY OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2023
Who is Lucas Canizares?
The surname carries a clear connection. Lucas Canizares is the son of the celebrated Santi Cañizares, a goalkeeper who enjoyed a storied career with clubs such as Celta, Mérida, Real Madrid, and Valencia, among others. Lucas grew up around professional football, absorbing the rhythm of the sport through a family deeply rooted in the game.
One of five siblings, Lucas bears the memory of a younger brother who passed away in 2018 after a cancer battle. From an early age, he showed a natural aptitude for the position, committing to sharp reflexes and solid positioning until he earned a place in Real Madrid’s youth ranks. Moving up through the Kids category, he advanced with the club’s youth teams and eventually joined Castilla, proving his reliability on the field and readiness for greater responsibility.
Born May 10, 2002, Lucas is now 23 and remains part of the Castilla squad, led by Raul, where he has primarily served as a squad member rather than a regular starter in the First RFEF. He has trained with the first team on several occasions and has sat on the bench during Champions League matches, signaling the club’s confidence in his potential and the possibility of future senior-level opportunities.
With Castilla, his playing time has been limited. He started the first two matches of the season in the First RFEF but has not featured extensively since, as the team leaned on other custodians for most appearances. Nevertheless, the current squad dynamics leave room for a chance to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, especially in a tournament where every minute counts and where a young goalkeeper can leave a lasting impression.
As the Club World Cup progressed, Lucas faced a crucial moment. With Courtois unavailable, he stood as a viable option to fill the goalkeeping void. This scenario offered a real opportunity to prove himself in high-stakes matches and to move beyond reserve duties toward higher-level competition.
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