Who is Raúl Asencio? Real Madrid defender makes superb first-team debut against Osasuna

With David Alaba and emergency centre-back Aurélien Tchouaméni on the sidelines, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced to call upon young defender Raúl Asencio when Éder Militão also suffered an injury in Saturday’s home game against Osasuna. And the academy product was hugely impressive in Los Blancos’ big win at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, even providing an assist for Jude Bellingham.

Asencio is right-footed, 1.84m tall, 21 years old, and a regular in the heart of the Real Madrid Castilla defence since the start of last season. He played for his hometown team (Las Palmas) until the age of 14, when he joined Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy. At Valdebebas, he is described as one of the “most exciting” defenders in the entire youth academy.

When Ancelotti has previously needed defenders due to injuries and suspensions, he has often called up others as cover first. That includes Marvel, now on loan at Córdoba in the Spanish second division, former Castilla captain Álvaro Carrillo, who joined second-tier club Eibar in the summer, and reserve team teammate Edgar Pujol.

Asencio part of Real Madrid academy investigation

Asencio is one of the four academy players still under investigation for the alleged release of a sex video in September 2023 in which a minor appeared. The case - for the moment - remains in the investigation phase. Various sources claim that he was not at the place where the events took place (Mogán, Las Palmas) and that he did not participate in the sexual act. However, it is being investigated whether he collaborated in the distribution of the video.

Raúl Asencio’s impressive Real Madrid debut

Asencio was selected to come on in the 30th minute against Osasuna after Militão went down with looked to be a serious knee injury.

The young defender wasted no time in making an impression, playing a pinpoint pass in behind the opposition defence for Bellingham to score Madrid’s second goal.

The Canary Islander stood out both for his defensive capabilities and his composure on the ball, helping Los Blancos return to winning ways after consecutive defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan.