AsensioYoung defender Raúl Asencio has experienced an unforgettable moment in his career after being called up for the first time to Spain’s senior national team. His rapid rise at Real Madrid, where he went from playing with Castilla in Primera RFEF to becoming a starter under Carlo Ancelotti, has been crucial to this opportunity. On his first day as an international, the player did not hesitate to point to Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol as his biggest role models in football.

Asencio: “I’ve Always Looked Up to Sergio Ramos and Puyol”

For Asencio, the leadership and quality of Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol shaped his development as a defender. "They have always been references for me. Anyone who loves football knows what Sergio Ramos has meant, both at Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team. And on a national level, Puyol is also a great example. Since I was a kid, I watched them play and tried to learn from their strengths," the center-back explained.

The Real Madrid player couldn’t hide his excitement about this new chapter and emphasized how special it was to be called up to Spain. "I’m very happy and excited to live this experience. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of something like this, and having it come true this way makes me feel very proud," he said.

The Moment He Got the News

The call-up to the national team came as a surprise for Asencio. During training, Carlo Ancelotti approached him to deliver the news right in the middle of the pitch—an unforgettable moment for the player. "The coach told me in front of everyone, and right away, my teammates and the coaching staff congratulated me. It was a really special moment," he recalled.

Despite the fast pace of his career progression, the defender insists he has adapted well to the changes. "You always believe you can achieve it, but everything has happened so quickly. Since arriving in Madrid at 14, I had to learn to be mentally strong, leaving my family and friends behind to chase this dream. All of that helped me mature and prepare for this moment," he shared.

Now, with the excitement of wearing Spain’s jersey, Asencio is focused on making the most of this experience. "I want to learn, enjoy, and absorb as much as I can from my teammates, the coaching staff, and the environment. It’s a unique opportunity, and I plan to make the most of it," concluded the defender, who could make his debut in the Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands.