Raúl Asencio del Rosario, a talented footballer from Las Palmas, joined Real Madrid’s prestigious academy at 14, overcoming personal sacrifices and challenges to secure a starting role. Despite a late professional debut at 21, he has impressed coaches and fans alike. However, he is currently facing serious legal issues related to the unauthorized distribution of explicit content involving a minor. Asencio, who admires Sergio Ramos, recently earned his first call-up to the Spanish national team, marking a promising milestone in his career.
Leaving Home at 14 to Join Real Madrid
Full of ambition and talent, Raúl Asencio del Rosario was born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, where he began his football journey at Unión Deportiva. His impressive skills caught the eye of scouts, leading him to La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s renowned training academy, in 2017. Despite the personal sacrifices, he eagerly embraced this opportunity. “Stepping out of your comfort zone early is essential,” he reflected in later interviews. Being away from family and friends, he developed a resilient mindset, stating, “Moving to Madrid has made me mentally tougher.”
Overcoming Challenges to Secure a Starting Role
Raúl Asencio’s path to becoming a fan favorite at Santiago Bernabéu was paved with hard work and perseverance, as evidenced by his late breakout at 21. Known for his tenacity and dedication, he took his time to adapt to the competitive environment in the capital. As a key player for Real Madrid C, he solidified his position as a starter, nearly achieving promotion to the 4th division. He officially turned professional in the 2022-2023 season, and for the 2023-2024 season, he has been showcasing his talents with Castilla, even making his debut for the first team on November 9 against Osasuna.
Though he was initially behind Jacobo Ramon and Rafa Marin in the reserve team hierarchy, coached by former captain Raúl González, “Raúl has truly surprised everyone, including me,” admitted Carlo Ancelotti, who faced significant challenges within the Merengues’ defense this season. Rumors of a contract extension are swirling for this Spanish prodigy, whose current deal runs until June 2026.
Facing Legal Challenges
In addition to his rising sports career, the Las Palmas native is currently entangled in a serious legal matter stemming from an incident involving the distribution of explicit content related to a minor. This case dates back to June 15, 2023, when Asencio, then 20, was vacationing in the Canary Islands with friends from Real Madrid’s training center. While the sexual encounters that took place were consensual, the unauthorized recording for dissemination was not.
Asencio is accused of sharing videos without the consent of the involved parties. The situation escalated when the victim’s mother filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil of Gran Canaria, resulting in charges against the four friends. In February, Asencio’s request to dismiss the case was denied, leaving him facing a potential five-year prison sentence. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence, stating he was “very calm about it” during an interview with RTVE this Tuesday.
The Next Sergio Ramos?
With Sergio Ramos now making waves in Mexico after an illustrious 20-year career with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, Asencio appears poised to follow in his footsteps. The similarities between them are striking: both are right-footed defenders, share the same height of 1.84m, and possess commanding voices in the locker room (Asencio served as vice-captain of Castilla). Their playing styles are also similar, marked by a fierce competitive spirit and exceptional passing skills.
Asencio has openly acknowledged Ramos as a role model, stating, “Sergio Ramos has always been a reference for me. Anyone who loves football knows his immense contributions to both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team,” he shared in an interview with the Spanish Football Federation.
First Call-Up to the Spanish National Team
Fortune seems to favor Raúl Asencio, who caught the attention of Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente early this season. Following injuries to Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez, Asencio earned his spot on the roster for the quarter-finals of the Nations League on March 20 and 23 against the Netherlands. This marks his first call-up to any youth team, a significant milestone not just for him but also for Real Madrid, which has seen a decline in its representation on the national stage. With only Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, and Dani Ceballos still on the list, Asencio’s inclusion brings renewed hope.