Confirmed: Real Madrid renew 18-year-old academy gem dubbed the ‘new Valverde’

Confirmed: Real Madrid renew 18-year-old academy gem dubbed the ‘new Valverde’ Real Madrid have moved to secure the future of exciting young midfielder Diego Lacosta by renewing his contract. Taking to Instagram, the youngster confirmed the development, posting images of his contract signing, along with the message: “Proud to continue being linked to Real Madrid and to be able to continue growing in this club. Thanks to all the people who accompany me on this path and who make moments like this possible. “With the same enthusiasm as the first day and a lot of enthusiasm for everything that is yet to come.” The 18-year-old starlet has been likened to first-team captain Federico Valverde within the club owing to his playing style, according to MARCA . View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diego Lacosta (@diegolacosta) Lacosta’s rapid rise through La Fabrica Born in 2008, Lacosta joined Real Madrid’s academy, La Fabrica , in 2020. Since then, the teenager has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks at the Spanish capital club. Having broken into Real Madrid C, the club’s second reserve team last season, the midfielder has established himself as a key player in the side this term. The 18-year-old starlet has made nine appearances for Real Madrid C in the Segunda Federacion . Meanwhile, he has also played four times for the club’s Juvenil A (U19) side in the UEFA Youth League, even scoring a goal in the team’s most recent fixture against AEK Athens. The teenage midfielder has made two appearances for Castilla, both of which came last season. Lacosta also caught the attention of first-team manager Jose Mourinho during pre-season. The young midfielder travelled with the senior setup for three summer friendlies and even featured against Fiorentina and Ferencvaros. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diego Lacosta (@diegolacosta) Successful year and comparisons with Valverde Lacosta’s new contract extension comes after he enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season. Indeed, the teenage prospect was a key part of the Juvenil A side that won the league title, the Copa de Campeones , and the UEFA Youth League last season. He was also in the squad that won the U20 Intercontinental Cup at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season. As mentioned earlier, those within Real Madrid have compared him with Federico Valverde owing to his playing style and the position in which he operates. The 18-year-old is a central midfielder who is known for his long strides, endless energy, and ability to cover ground while being able to contribute at both ends of the pitch. As such, his contract renewal will be a welcome development as it is clear that Real Madrid rate the 18-year-old Spaniard very highly.