Real Madrid starlet becomes the fifth-youngest goalkeeper to debut for club | OneFootball

As Real Madrid announced the starting lineup for today’s La Liga encounter against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu, there was one new name on the team.

Indeed, with both Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin recovering from injuries, manager Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to turn to young academy talent Fran Gonzalez, who is all set to make his first-team debut.

Fifth-youngest goalkeeper to play for Real Madrid

At just 19 years, 9 months, and 10 days, Fran Gonzalez will become the fifth-youngest goalkeeper to ever debut for Real Madrid when he steps onto the field against Valencia in less than an hour.

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The Spanish talent also became the youngest keeper to appear for the club since former captain and legend Iker Casillas in 1999.

The youngest ever goalkeeper to debut for Real Madrid remains Juan Canales, who made his first and only appearance in 1984 at just 17 years, 9 months, and 18 days, in a 1-1 draw against Sporting Gijon.

Next on the list is Casillas, who made his iconic debut in 1999 at 18 years, 3 months, and 23 days at San Mames. That season, he would go on to become first-choice and win the Champions League – eventually becoming one of the most decorated players in club history.

In third place sits Adauto Iglesias, who debuted in 1948 aged 18 years, 10 months, and 16 days in a derby defeat at Chamartin. He would play 13 games for the club.

Jose Ramon Nebot ranks fourth, having played his first game in 1929 at 19 years, 5 months, and 4 days – a 2-1 loss to Athletic Club. He appeared nine times in total.

Fran, today, will overtake Luca Zidane, who debuted in 2018 against Villarreal aged 20 years and 6 days in a 2-2 draw.

None of the previous five youngest goalkeepers have managed to keep a clean sheet or start with a win – a curse that Fran will hope to break today.