Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, renowned for his successful tenure at the club, has surprised fans and pundits alike with his recent praises for young midfielder Nico Paz, declaring him to be a potential future star for the prestigious team.
Nico Paz, 20, currently playing on loan for Como in Italy’s Serie A, has caught the eye of not only Ancelotti but also Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni. According to Ancelotti, this season away from the demanding environment of Real Madrid has proven beneficial for Paz's development, stating, "Nico Paz is a player we follow closely. He is very good and has great talent. This season away from Real Madrid has done him well. We believe he is a player who can be the future of Real Madrid," as reported by Rai Radio 1.
Originally born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Paz made the significant decision to represent Argentina, following the footsteps of his father, Pablo Paz, who played for the national team during the 1998 World Cup. Having joined Real Madrid's youth academy at just 13, he rose through the ranks, earning the adoration of fans and eventually securing appearances with the first team, including key performances during their Champions League campaign.
Despite his promising start, the competitive nature of Real Madrid's squad meant limited opportunities for young talent like Paz. This prompted the club to loan him to Como, providing the much-needed playing time to hone his skills. At Como, under the guidance of manager Cesc Fàbregas, Paz has quickly become one of the standout players, recently contributing two goals and four assists over 16 matches.
Ancelotti reflected positively on this decision, indicating it was necessary for Paz to gain regular playing time, which he couldn’t have achieved at Real Madrid. "This season was necessary for Nico to play with the regularity he could not find at Real Madrid; it was a smart decision. I’m sure he can be part of the club's future," Ancelotti added.
Paz's impressive performances have not only sparked interest from Real Madrid for his return but have also earned him recognition from the Argentine national team. He made his senior debut in October, contributing to the team's commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia during the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This debut added another layer to his budding career, boosting his profile both at club and international levels.
The current wave of talent emanates from Argentina, with players like Facundo Buonanotte at Leicester City and Matías Soulé at AS Roma showcasing their skills overseas. The emergence of young stars has ignited hope within the national team, now contrasting the wealth of experience from veterans like Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the dynamic of Real Madrid's squad will shape Paz's future. With Ancelotti's endorsement, there is potential for the young midfielder to integrate back with the team, joining stars like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé as part of Madrid's formidable lineup. Ancelotti's vision for Paz emphasizes the club's commitment to nurturing talent from its youth ranks, aligned with their storied history of blending experience with youthful vigor.
All eyes will now be on Paz as he continues to develop his craft at Como. Should his success persist, PAC's return to the Bernabéu seems not just likely but imminent, allowing him to potentially fulfill the promise Ancelotti sees within him. The whispers of interest from various high-profile clubs, including Inter de Milan, could also complicate matters for Real Madrid as they aim to secure his services.
Little doubt remains—Paz's future is bright, and if Ancelotti has anything to say about it, he will be shining brightly for Real Madrid before long.