Real Madrid sign highly-rated striker Fran Santamaría from Castellón

Real Madrid have secured the signing of promising young striker Fran Santamaría from CD Castellón, with the 17-year-old set to join the club’s academy next season.

Santamaría departs his hometown club after spending the majority of his development years there, bringing an end to an eight-year spell in which he steadily rose through the ranks and established himself as one of the standout talents in Spanish youth football.

The forward arrives in Madrid off the back of an impressive campaign, scoring 15 goals across 32 appearances. Despite being a second-year youth player, Santamaría split his time between Castellón’s Juvenil A side and the B team, adapting seamlessly to higher levels of competition.

He found the net 13 times in just 17 matches in the División de Honor, Spain’s top youth league, while also contributing two goals in 15 appearances for Castellón B in the Segunda Federación. His performances not only made him one of the most productive attackers in his category, but also underlined his ability to compete against older opposition.

Standing at 1.85 meters and comfortable with both feet, Santamaría has built a reputation as a well-rounded striker with a natural eye for goal. His rapid development did not go unnoticed, as he progressed from youth football into training with the reserve side, signaling his readiness for the next step.

The move to Real Madrid represents a major milestone in his career, with Santamaría becoming the most expensive youth sale in Castellón’s history. He will now continue his development at Valdebebas, joining La Fábrica as part of the club’s long-term investment in emerging talent.

Castellón confirmed the transfer with a statement thanking the player for his dedication and professionalism throughout his time at the club, while wishing him success in the next chapter of his career.

Santamaría also shared an emotional farewell message, reflecting on his journey and the impact of his boyhood club.

“The day I never imagined has arrived,” he wrote. “I’ve spent eight years at the club of my life, and now I say goodbye to Castellón—a place where I’ve grown not only as a player, but as a person.”

He went on to thank his family, coaches, and teammates for their support over the years, emphasizing the values of humility and hard work that shaped his development.

“I will always be a Castellón fan,” he added.