Alexis Ciria emerges as Real Madrid’s latest academy sensation under Mourinho

Alexis Ciria has been the standout performer of Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations, with his displays earning praise from head coach Jose Mourinho after only seven months at the club.

The 18-year-old arrived at Real Madrid in January and initially began his career with Castilla. He has since been given the opportunity to train and play with the senior squad during the build-up to the new season, where his performances have made a strong impression on Mourinho.

Ciria’s rapid rise has attracted considerable attention at Valdebebas. In the space of just seven months, the winger has moved from joining the club in mid-season to establishing himself as one of the most talked-about players in Real Madrid’s preparations.

Spanish newspaper AS described him as a player with the qualities to make an impact at the highest level.

“An 18-year-old right winger, highly skilled, who excels on the left wing. A fine dribbler, and above all, incredibly brave,” the newspaper wrote.

Ciria’s progress has been marked by immediate contributions whenever he has stepped up to a new level. He scored on his debut for Juvenil A and found the net again in his second appearance for Real Madrid C.

His first start for Castilla also ended with a goal, following an assist on his debut for the reserve side. Those early performances helped him build momentum during the second half of last season and gradually move into a more important role within the club’s youth structure.

AS said Ciria eventually became a regular starter for Castilla, while also featuring for the outstanding youth team that won the UEFA Youth League for a second time at Valdebebas.

Across his appearances, including his time with the Under-18 team, Ciria recorded 10 goals and eight assists in five months.

“He is a real gem,” AS added.

The teenager’s form during pre-season has now brought him to the attention of Mourinho, who saw him in the opening training sessions as Real Madrid’s first team were still adapting and finding their rhythm.

According to AS, Ciria successfully came through the selection process and showed that he possesses qualities suited to the senior squad.

“He has first-team potential, he has something, something that captivated Mourinho,” the newspaper said.

Ciria’s emergence provides another example of the talent developing within Real Madrid’s academy. His progress has been swift: after arriving in January, he made his way through Juvenil A, Real Madrid C and Castilla before being involved with the first team during the preparations for the new campaign.

Although he is described primarily as a right winger, his ability to operate effectively on the left has added to his appeal. His dribbling, direct approach and willingness to take risks have been central to the attention surrounding him.

For now, Ciria remains one of the young players competing to make an impression during Real Madrid’s preparations. But his goals, assists and increasingly prominent role have already made him the leading revelation of the club’s pre-season, while Mourinho continues to assess whether the academy prospect can take the next step.