Real Madrid player Asencio is rising in the ranks. He now sees regular playing time with the first team.
The white name and number kit La Liga style with a black edge looks much better than white/pink style for the UCL style printing.
Beautiful name kit and stylish jersey.
and a photo where the name and number kit (La Liga style) is displayed alongside with the sleeve badges to the right arm sleeve.
Raúl Asencio and La Fábrica
Amidst the galácticos and global superstars that define Real Madrid, there’s a unique excitement reserved for when a homegrown talent rises through the ranks. This 2024/25 season, centre-back Raúl Asencio is embodying that hope, transitioning from a promising prospect at “La Fábrica” – the club’s famed academy – into a player genuinely contributing to the first team.
For years, Asencio honed his craft within the Real Madrid youth system, navigating the highly competitive environment where countless talents vie for recognition. Making the final leap from Castilla (Real Madrid’s B team) to meaningful minutes with the senior squad is arguably one of the toughest challenges in world football, especially at a club constantly seeking the best players globally. Many talented ‘canteranos’ find their path blocked, eventually needing to seek opportunities elsewhere.
However, this season has seen Asencio decisively buck that trend. Capitalizing on opportunities presented perhaps through injuries, squad rotation, or simply impressing Carlo Ancelotti and his staff with his consistent development, the young Spanish defender has earned his place in the conversation. Moving beyond fleeting appearances, Asencio, as you noted, now sees regular playing time, showcasing a maturity and defensive solidity that belies his relative inexperience at the top level. His calmness on the ball and reliability in defence have clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff.
His squad number situation tells a familiar story for emerging academy players at Real Madrid. Asencio consistently wears number 35 this season – a number above the traditional 1-25 designated for the official first team. This signifies his official registration with Castilla while highlighting his regular integration and activity with the senior squad. It’s a path reminiscent of other recent stars who made their initial impact wearing higher numbers; Vinícius Jr. famously exploded onto the scene wearing #28 in his debut season, while Rodrygo also announced his arrival with #27 on his back. Even a figure like Nacho Fernández, a model ‘one-club man’ until his recent departure, navigated his initial breakthrough seasons frequently wearing number 27 while proving his worth for a permanent first-team place. For Asencio, wearing #35 doesn’t diminish his contribution this season; rather, it underscores his breakthrough status and strengthens his case for claiming a permanent first-team number soon.
The emergence of a player like Raúl Asencio resonates deeply with the Madridistas. It’s a connection to the club’s identity, a testament to the quality nurtured within La Fábrica. His emergence is particularly noteworthy given the increasing challenge for Spanish players to make that final, difficult step from the academy to becoming mainstays in Real Madrid’s star-studded first team in recent years. While La Fábrica consistently produces high-level professionals who forge successful careers at other top clubs across Europe, the pathway to regular first-team football at the Bernabéu itself has become narrower for homegrown nationals compared to previous eras, or perhaps notably, compared to the youth integration often seen at rivals like FC Barcelona. Asencio’s progression, therefore, is not just a personal triumph but also a vital sign for the academy and the Spanish core of the fanbase, proving that the pathway, while difficult, remains possible for those with the talent, dedication, and composure to seize their chance.