What happened to the 20 wonderkids Marca called the 'most promising' in Real Madrid's academy in 2020

Spanish outlet Marca listed the 20 most promising prospects in Real Madrid's famed youth academy back in 2020 - but where are they now?

La Fabrica - translated in English as 'The Factory' - is one of the most highly-respected youth setups in world football, with the club's Castilla B team operating as a fully professional outfit in the third tier of Spanish football.

The club has been responsible for the development, at different youth stages, of a number of current world stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Dani Carvajal, Martin Odegaard and Marcos Llorente.

Looking further back, Iker Casillas, Raul, Michel, Emilio Butragueno and Esteban Granero all came through the La Fabrica system.

In recent years, the academy has had mixed success - as evidenced by the career paths of the 20 players Marca tipped for stardom back in 2020.

Let's see how those names got on.

Miguel Gutierrez

Left-back Miguel Gutierrez was surprisingly sold by Real to fellow La Liga club Girona back in 2022 - and although Los Blancos retained 50 per cent of the player's rights and a sell-on clause, it may a decision they live to regret in future.

Gutierrez, 23, played a key role in Girona's shock qualification for the Champions League for this season, registering seven assists from left-back.

That attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, while Real are also believed to be keen but will have to pay a €35 million release clause to bring him back to the Bernabeu.

Antonio Blanco

Antonio Blanco is another La Fabrica graduate to be playing in La Liga - but not for Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old central midfielder signed for Alaves in 2023 after a successful loan spell, which saw him help the club gain promotion to La Liga.

He is an undisputed starter when fit, though hit headlines for an unwanted reason earlier this month by being the victim of a horror tackle from current Real star Kylian Mbappe which earned the Frenchman a surprisingly lenient one-match ban.

El arbitraje español con serios problemas, 40 minutos dos visitas al VAR, todos simulan, todos protestas pero lo más increíble que tenga que ir al VAR en este acción de Mbappé, @rfef pic.twitter.com/Az7U1uIbgc

— Felipe Ramos Rizo (@ramosrizo) April 13, 2025

Nicolas Paz

An attacking midfielder, Nicolas Paz decided to leave Real Madrid last summer to join Serie A side Como under Cesc Fabregas.

The 20-year-old has played a key role in securing survival for the newly-promoted team this term, scoring six goals and registering six assists in 31 Serie A appearances.

He has also made his debut for Argentina at senior international level, and gained Champions League experience with Real last season.

Mateo Pozo - 16-year-old midfielder who was promoted to Real's C team ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Alvaro Gonzalez - 18-year-old goalkeeper who is currently part of Real's Under-19 side and has played in this season's UEFA Youth League.

Carlos Diez - 17-year-old midfielder who plays for the Under-19 side and has also made UEFA Youth League appearances.

Paulo Iago - 18-year-old midfielder who left Real to join Sporting CP in 2024, but has yet to make a senior appearance.

Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez - 17-year-old striker and the son of the late ex-Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes. Currently plays for Real's youth sides and has made one UEFA Youth League appearance.

Alejandro Martin - 19-year-old winger who left Real to join the youth setup at Alcorcon last summer. Currently represents the Dominican Republic at international level.

Iker Gil - 20-year-old striker currently on loan at Spanish third tier side Tarazona.

Abraham Nobrega - 21-year-old striker who now plays for Spanish fifth tier side CU Collado Villalba.

Bruno Iglesias - Dubbed as 'the most talented player in the academy' back in 2020, the 21-year-old midfielder currently plays for Real's C side.

Takuhiro 'Pipi' Nakai - 21-year-old midfielder who is on loan at Spanish third tier side Amorebieta.

Israel Salazar - 21-year-old striker who left Real to join Real Valladolid in 2023, before signing for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Estoril in 2024.

Lucas Canizares - 22-year-old goalkeeper who signed for Primeira Liga side Farense in 2024, and is currently on loan at Portuguese second tier side Feirense. The son of Real icon Santiago Canizares.

Alvaro Carrillo - 23-year-old centre-back who signed for Spanish second tier side Eibar in 2024, having made one senior appearance for Real.

Ivan Morante - 24-year-old midfielder who now plays for Spanish second tier side Burgos CF after a two-year spell with Ibiza.

Sergio Arribas - 23-year-old attacking midfielder who made 14 appearances for Real, scoring once, before signing a six-year deal with Almeria - then of La Liga, now of the Segunda Division - in 2023.

Miguel Baeza - 25-year-old midfielder who left Real in 2020 to join Celta Vigo. He joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Nacional in 2024 after a four-year spell.