The debate over the exodus of national talent is reigniting in Spanish soccer. In recent years, several players trained in La Roja's youth academy have chosen to wear the jersey of another national team.
What seemed like an isolated phenomenon has become a trend that worries the Spanish Federation. The most painful thing for fans is that the case directly affects Real Madrid.
After the resignations of Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Brahim Díaz (Morocco), and Edgar Pujol (Dominican Republic), it is now confirmed that a fourth footballer from the white club will follow in their footsteps.
France has made a move and has taken one of the great prospects who, until recently, played in Spain's youth categories.
A decision that hits the national team
The new episode has come as a cold shower at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas. The Federation trusted it could secure this generation of talent linked to Real Madrid, but the reality has been very different.
The player, born in Spanish territory and with a background in the national youth academy, has preferred to bet on France. There, he was offered immediate guarantees of prominence and an ambitious development plan. Those around him have no doubt that the decision is final and that he will hardly turn back.
Precedents that weigh
This is not the first time something like this has happened with Real Madrid at the center. Achraf Hakimi, an international with Morocco, excelled in Spain's youth categories before deciding on his country of origin. Brahim Díaz followed the same path, ultimately choosing Morocco despite having played for La Roja's under-21 team.
More recently, Edgar Pujol surprised by turning down Spain when the doors to the under-21 team were opening for him. Now, with this fourth departure, the situation is taking on the appearance of a crisis. The Federation finds itself unable to stop a trend that weakens the national team and strengthens direct rivals in international competitions.
Leo Lamaitre is the fourth madridista who rejects Spain
This time it is Leo Lemaitre, one of the jewels of La Fábrica. A 16-year-old center-back born in Zaragoza to a Spanish mother and a French father. He has already played 6 matches with Spain's under-15 team and two with the under-16, but he has decided to continue with France in the future.
Spain did not call him up for its under-17 team, but France did and that's where he has gone. Lemaitre belongs to Real Madrid's Juvenil B, which has just played in the Club World Cup.
France wins, Spain loses
The arrival of this player to the French national team represents a strategic victory for the neighboring country. He is not just a promising talent, but a player who could have an immediate impact on the senior team.
France thus secures another asset in its endless factory of stars. Spain is left with the feeling of having let slip away a diamond that was being polished at home.
A wake-up call for the future
The decision forces reflection. What is failing in the Spanish model to keep its young prospects?
Real Madrid has provided players of enormous quality to the national soccer scene. In recent times, it seems the balance is tipping toward other destinations.
The Federation is already working to improve ties with players in the development stage. However, reality is stubborn: France, Morocco, and other countries know how to seduce better. Meanwhile, Spain is watching as key pieces of its immediate future slip away.