Real Madrid’s Alexis Ciria catches Jose Mourinho’s eye during pre-season

Alexis Ciria has emerged as one of the standout performers in Real Madrid’s preparations for the new season, earning praise from manager Jose Mourinho after making a rapid rise through the club’s academy.

The 18-year-old joined Real Madrid in January and began his time at the club with Castilla. Just seven months later, he has been given an opportunity to train and play with the first team during pre-season, where his performances have impressed Mourinho.

Ciria’s progress has reportedly caused a stir at Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s training complex. His development accelerated during the second half of last season, when he moved steadily through the club’s youth structure before establishing himself as an important player for the reserve team.

Spanish newspaper AS described the teenager as “an 18-year-old right winger, highly skilled, who shines on the left wing. A brilliant dribbler and, above all, incredibly brave.”

The report highlighted the consistency of his early impact after joining Real Madrid. “He scored in his first match with the youth team (Juvenil A), then scored another goal in his second match with Real Madrid (Real Madrid C),” AS wrote. “With Castilla, he scored the same goal in his first start, after providing an assist on his debut.”

Ciria continued to build momentum as the previous campaign progressed. He eventually became a regular starter for Castilla and also featured in the highly regarded youth team that won the UEFA Youth League title for the second time at Valdebebas.

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

AS summed up his rapid development by calling him “a genuine gem”.

The teenager’s performances have now brought him into Mourinho’s view during the first-team preparations. According to AS, the manager watched Ciria in the opening training sessions, at a time when the senior squad was still adapting and finding its rhythm.

The report said Ciria successfully came through the selection process and showed qualities that could eventually make him a first-team player.

“He is a player Mourinho is enjoying now,” AS added. “He saw him in the first training sessions, while the first team was still adapting, and he successfully passed the selection process. He has first-team potential, he has something, something that captivated Mourinho.”

Ciria’s rise has therefore been swift: from arriving at Real Madrid in January, to making his mark with Juvenil A, Real Madrid C and Castilla, and then attracting attention alongside the senior squad during pre-season. His displays have made him one of the most notable academy players in the club’s preparations for the new campaign.