Ex-Arsenal star's son called up to Real Madrid first team to train alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham
10/31/2024 11:38 AM
Having recently cleared out all of their remaining Zidanes from their academy, Real Madrid are ushering in a new dynasty with an Arsenal twist.
The Spanish behemoths haven't quite had the father-son success as say the Maldinis at AC Milan, but they're having another go at it with the surname Reyes.
Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez has been called up to train with the first team ahead of a Champions League clash with Milan.
The club have been given extra training time with their Copa del Rey tie against Valencia suspended due to storm Dana, and despite possessing Galacticos like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, all eyes were on Reyes Lopez.
That's because his father, Jose Antonio Reyes, was a world class talent both in Spain and England.
The winger began his career with Sevilla before joining Arsenal in 2004, and later, Real on loan.
An electric wideman with numerous trophies to his name, Reyes was adored before his untimely death in a car accident at the age of 35 in 2019.
Reyes Lopez is now looking to continue his father's legacy, and he isn't succeeding just because of his name.
In fact, the 17-year-old striker has long been rated as one of the top talents in Madrid's entire youth system.
Reyes Lopez is currently scoring goals for Juvenil B, but with Alvaro Arbeloa's Juvenil A squad in action yesterday, injuries to the first team forced Carlo Ancelotti to dip into the team an age group below.
That offered Reyes Lopez a unique opportunity to train with the first team, a chance that isn't usually afforded to Juvenil B players.
The Madrid-born prospect signed his first professional contract with Real last year and only renewed last week amid an impressive campaign.
Taking to social media to celebrate the new deal, he wrote: "I am very proud to be part of this great family and very happy to be able to continue fulfilling my dreams!
“Thank you Real Madrid for trusting me!"
Reyes Lopez first came to attention during a stint at Madrid side Leganes and then joined Real's youth system in 2019.
This is his first full season with Juvenil B, while the youngster is also a regular for Spain's U17s and regularly wears the captain's armband for both club and country.
His father made 110 appearances for Arsenal between 2004 and 2007. He won the league with the Gunners in their Invincibles season, as well as the FA Cup in 2005.
