Raúl Asencio del Rosario, born on February 13, 2003, is a burgeoning talent in Spanish football, currently making waves as a center-back for the prestigious La Liga club Real Madrid. At just 22 years old, Asencio has rapidly progressed through the ranks, showcasing maturity and skill that belie his age. This article delves into his journey, playing style, recent controversies, and the burgeoning expectations surrounding his career.
Early Life and Formation in La Fábrica
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Asencio’s footballing journey began with local club Veteranos del Pilar before he joined the youth setup of UD Las Palmas. His potential was evident early on, attracting the attention of Real Madrid, who brought him into their esteemed youth academy, La Fábrica, at the age of thirteen in 2017. This move marked a significant step in his development, immersing him in a high-performance environment known for producing top-tier players.
Within La Fábrica, Asencio steadily honed his defensive skills, tactical understanding, and physical attributes. He progressed through the various youth levels, consistently demonstrating his capabilities as a commanding center-back. His leadership qualities and composed presence on the ball made him a key figure in Real Madrid’s youth teams.
Breaking Through at Real Madrid: Opportunity Knocks
After a brief spell with RSC Internacional, Asencio returned to Real Madrid, becoming an integral part of their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. He quickly established himself as a vital player for Castilla, known for his defensive solidity and ball-playing abilities. The 2024-25 season proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Injuries to key central defenders Éder Militão and David Alaba created an opportunity for Asencio to step up to the first team under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.
Asencio seized this opportunity with both hands. He made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid on November 9, 2024, coming on as a substitute in a convincing 4-0 victory against Osasuna. Just two weeks later, on November 24, 2024, he made his first La Liga start in a 3-0 win against Leganés, demonstrating his readiness for the demands of top-flight football. Since then, Asencio has become an increasingly regular presence in the Real Madrid defense, showcasing his composure, aerial prowess, and tactical awareness.
Playing Style: A Modern Center-Back
Raúl Asencio primarily operates as a center-back, a position where his physical attributes and technical abilities shine. Standing at 1.84 meters (6 feet 0 inches), he possesses a strong frame and excellent aerial ability, making him a formidable presence in both defensive and offensive set-pieces. He has been described as “decisive with the ball and with great physical conditioning,” highlighting his comfort in possession and his athleticism.
As a modern center-back, Asencio is not just a stopper; he is also comfortable playing out from the back, possessing a good range of passing and the ability to break lines with his distribution. His tactical intelligence allows him to read the game effectively, make timely interceptions, and organize the defense. While still developing, his maturity on the field suggests a bright future as a commanding presence in the heart of the Real Madrid defense.
International Recognition: Spain Calls
His impressive performances for Real Madrid have not gone unnoticed at the national level. For the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League quarterfinal matches against the Netherlands, Asencio was called up to the Spanish national squad for the first time in March 2025.This call-up signifies his growing stature in Spanish football and acknowledges his potential to contribute to the national team in the years to come. Representing his country is a significant milestone in any player’s career, and it underscores the progress Asencio has made.
Recent Controversy and its Impact
Despite his burgeoning success on the field, Asencio’s recent trajectory has been marked by a significant off-field controversy. In September 2023, while playing for Real Madrid Castilla, Asencio and three other youth players were arrested following allegations related to the filming and distribution of a video depicting a sexual encounter involving an adult woman and a minor without consent. Asencio was specifically accused of accessing and distributing the video.
This legal matter has cast a shadow over his promising career. In February 2025, an appeal by his lawyers to dismiss the investigation was rejected by a court in Gran Canaria, meaning he remains indicted on child pornography charges. This ongoing legal situation has undoubtedly affected the player, as acknowledged by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who noted that Asencio was “affected” by hostile chants directed at him by opposing fans during a Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad. The match was even briefly paused due to these chants.
The Real Madrid organization has had to navigate this sensitive issue, balancing their support for a young player with the seriousness of the allegations. The legal proceedings will continue to be a significant factor in Asencio’s immediate future and could have long-term implications for his career.
Career Statistics and Trajectory
As of April 20, 2025, Raúl Asencio’s career statistics reflect his rapid ascent. He has made 18 appearances in La Liga for Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season, along with 5 appearances in the Copa del Rey and 10 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
Prior to his first-team breakthrough, he played 45 times for Real Madrid Castilla in the Primera Federación and 29 times for RSC Internacional in the Tercera Federación. While he is yet to score at the senior level, his consistent appearances in high-stakes matches demonstrate the trust placed in him by the Real Madrid coaching staff.
His market value, estimated at around €30 million as of March 2025, reflects the high potential and the recognition he has garnered despite the ongoing legal issues. His contract with Real Madrid extends until June 30, 2026, indicating the club’s long-term vision for his development, contingent on the resolution of his legal situation.
Future Prospects: Navigating Talent and Challenges
Raúl Asencio possesses the talent and physical attributes to become a key player for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His rapid progression to the first team at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential. However, his future trajectory will be significantly influenced by the ongoing legal proceedings.
If Asencio can navigate these challenges, he has the opportunity to establish himself as a top defender in European football. His continued development under the guidance of experienced coaches at Real Madrid will be crucial. The football world will be watching closely to see how he progresses both on and off the field, hoping that this talented young player can fulfill his considerable potential. His story is a complex one, intertwining sporting success with serious legal issues, making his journey one of significant interest and concern within the footballing community.
FAQs
Who is Raúl Asencio and what is his current role?
Raúl Asencio del Rosario is a 22-year-old Spanish professional footballer who plays as a center-back for the La Liga club Real Madrid. He has become an increasingly regular member of the first team during the 2024-25 season, stepping up due to injuries to other defenders.
How did Raúl Asencio progress to the Real Madrid first team?
Asencio joined Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, at the age of thirteen in 2017. He progressed through the various youth levels and played for Real Madrid Castilla before being called up to the first team in the 2024-25 season due to injuries within the squad. He made his La Liga debut in November 2024 and has since become a more frequent presence in the defense.
What are Raúl Asencio’s key strengths as a defender?
Asencio is noted for his strong physical conditioning and his comfort on the ball, often described as “decisive with the ball.” He possesses good aerial ability due to his height (1.84 meters) and is tactically aware, capable of making interceptions and playing the ball out from the back.
Has Raúl Asencio represented Spain at the international level?
Yes, in March 2025, Raúl Asencio received his first call-up to the Spain national team for the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League quarter-final matches against the Netherlands.
What is the ongoing controversy surrounding Raúl Asencio?
In September 2023, Asencio was arrested along with other youth players in connection with allegations of distributing a video depicting a sexual encounter involving a minor without consent. He remains under investigation in Spain,
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