Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez, the 17-year-old son of late Spanish football icon Jose Antonio Reyes, has taken his first steps with Real Madrid’s first team, training alongside Carlo Ancelotti’s squad on Wednesday. The young striker, who currently plays for Real Madrid’s Juvenil A team under former club legend Alvaro Arbeloa, is already showing signs of following in his father’s illustrious footsteps.
The emotional significance of this development resonates deeply within Spanish football, coming four years after the tragic loss of Jose Antonio Reyes Sr., who died in a car accident in 2019 at the age of 35. The elder Reyes, primarily remembered as a Sevilla icon, had also graced the Santiago Bernabeu during the 2006-07 season on loan from Arsenal, leaving an indelible mark on Spanish football.
Young Reyes Lopez’s call-up to train with Madrid’s first team is more than just a ceremonial gesture; the teenager has been making waves in youth football with his impressive goalscoring record. His talent has already earned him international recognition, with four goals in seven appearances for Spain’s Under-17 team, suggesting he has inherited his father’s natural ability in front of goal.
The story takes on additional depth when considering Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s personal involvement in the young player’s development. Following the tragic passing of Reyes Sr., Perez made a heartfelt promise to Spanish journalist Cristobal Soria in 2019, committing to personally oversee Reyes Lopez’s welfare until his 18th birthday. As revealed by Soria on El Chiringuito, Perez assured that the then 11-year-old “wouldn’t have to worry about anything,” demonstrating the club’s commitment to honoring the legacy of one of Spanish football’s beloved figures.
This gesture by Perez, now bearing fruit as young Reyes Lopez trains with Madrid’s elite, exemplifies the family-like atmosphere that exists within Spanish football, particularly at Real Madrid. The club’s dedication to nurturing young talent while respecting football heritage has created an environment where the son of a former player can flourish on his own merit.
The timing of Reyes Lopez’s first-team training experience comes at a challenging moment for Spanish football, with the country grappling with devastating flash floods in its northern regions. The natural disaster, which has claimed over 100 lives and particularly affected Valencia, has led to the postponement of Real Madrid’s scheduled league match against Valencia this weekend.
As Real Madrid shifts its focus to their upcoming Champions League clash with AC Milan at the Bernabeu, the presence of young Reyes Lopez in first-team training serves as a reminder of football’s capacity to provide hope and continuity even in difficult times. His development at the club represents not just the potential emergence of a new talent but also the beautiful continuation of a football legacy.
The young striker’s journey thus far suggests that Real Madrid’s investment in his development is paying dividends. Under Arbeloa’s guidance in the Juvenil A team, Reyes Lopez has shown the kind of promise that warrants attention from the first-team coaching staff. Ancelotti’s decision to include him in senior training sessions indicates the club’s belief in his potential to eventually make the step up to elite-level football.
As Reyes Lopez continues to develop his skills and forge his own path in football, he carries with him not just the weight of his father’s legacy but also the support of one of world football’s most prestigious institutions. His story serves as a touching reminder of how football can honor its past while nurturing its future, creating a bridge between generations that extends beyond the pitch.
