ไทย
English
中國人
Real Madrid claimed just their second UEFA Youth League title on Monday evening, with the club's academy side beating Club Brugge in a thrilling 4–2 penalty shootout in Lausanne.
Under the guidance of Álvaro López, Madrid Juvenil A (Under-19 team) lifted the trophy after eliminating the likes of Marseille, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Paris Saint-Germain on their road to the final.
Madrid broke the deadlock in Switzerland when Jacobo Ortega netted a clever backheel midway through a commanding first half. Brugge fought their way back into the contest after the interval, with the match ultimately being decided by a shootout. Ultimately, goalkeeper Javier Navarro—the hero of the semifinal against PSG as well—came up big with two crucial saves to hand Los Blancos their first title since 2020.
Youth League success isn't always a reliable predictor of senior-level achievement—none of the 2020 title-winning squad broke through to the Real Madrid first team amid stiff competition. Nevertheless, there is considerable excitement surrounding López's exceptionally gifted group, who have attracted widespread praise and attention from across Europe.
Here are five standout players to watch following this season's memorable run.
1. Javier Navarro
Where better to begin? The 19-year-old shot-stopper established himself as the standout figure of Madrid's campaign with match-winning performances in both the semifinal and the final.
Nicknamed 'San Javi' by MARCA for his heroics, Navarro produced six saves in a frenzied semifinal against PSG to force a shootout, then denied three penalties to send his team through to the final.
He saved two more in the shootout against Brugge to clinch the trophy, remarking afterwards: "It seems I'm good at penalties."
That might just be the understatement of the year.
His composure in big moments has drawn comparisons to Thibaut Courtois, while the Madrid-born goalkeeper may eventually find himself competing with fellow prospect Fran González for a route into the first team once the Belgian departs.
2. Daniel Yáñez
The dynamic 19-year-old winger from Andalusia has already earned a taste of first-team football.
A prolific performer at youth level, Yáñez made his senior debut under Carlo Ancelotti as a substitute in the 3–0 La Liga victory over Girona in December 2024, and has since added two more appearances for the senior squad—including an assist for Dean Huijsen in last month's 4–1 triumph over Elche.
Unfazed by the occasion in Switzerland, Yáñez delivered an energetic performance, creating two clear-cut chances early in the match before converting his penalty.
Potentially treading the same path as Nico Paz, he has been linked with a loan move to Cesc Fàbregas's Como in recent weeks.
3. Diego Aguado
The man who slotted home the decisive penalty in Lausanne, Madrid-born Aguado is widely regarded as one of the most influential and highly rated players in López's squad.
Another with senior experience under his belt, the composed, left-footed center back made his first-team bow in the Copa del Rey victory over Minera this season.
A MARCA feature published in the aftermath of the final—during which Aguado made several crucial defensive contributions—called on Real Madrid to "invest everything" in the homegrown talent.
The piece noted: "If it were Diego Aguadinho, he'd cost €100 million; the English version, Diego Watery, would be €80 million; and Diego Di Aguado another €70 million."
With David Alaba set to depart this summer, and Raúl Asencio potentially following suit, there may well be an opening for 'Watery' in the first-team squad next season.
4. Jacobo Ortega
Another player whose route to the senior side could be fast-tracked thanks to a combination of impressive performances and squad vacancies is 19-year-old Ortega.
A traditional number nine standing well over 6ft tall, the academy forward is adept at holding up play and winning physical duels. Since Joselu's departure, Madrid have lacked a reliable 'Plan B' option up front.
Yet to make a first-team appearance—though he has featured for Madrid's Castilla side—Jacobo opened the scoring in the final with a cheeky backheel, and also found the net in the quarterfinal victory over Sporting CP.
5. Liberto Navascués
Despite coming off the bench in the final, Liberto still left a lasting impression.
The 19-year-old impact substitute, who had been the semifinal hero with his late equalizer and match-winning penalty, stepped up to convert the first spot kick of the shootout against Brugge and will go down as one of the defining figures of the campaign.
The youngster operates as a left-back-cum-winger for the academy and has alternated between the Juvenil A and Castilla squads throughout his early career.
Touching videos of the teenager sharing emotional embraces with his family after both the semifinal and final victories have become some of the most shared moments of the tournament.