On April 15, 2025, Francesco Totti, the Italian football legend and former Roma star, praised young Argentine midfielder Nicolás Paz, currently playing for Como in Serie A. Totti's comments came during an interview with Italian Football TV, where he expressed his admiration for the 20-year-old, declaring, "Nico Paz se va a convertir en uno de los mejores jugadores del mundo," which translates to "Nico Paz will become one of the best players in the world." This bold prediction is a testament to Paz's burgeoning talent and potential.
In the same interview, Totti revealed his desire for Paz to join Roma, stating, "Apostaría por un joven como Nico Paz. Me gusta, es un jugador original, creativo y travieso al mismo tiempo," meaning, "I would bet on a young player like Nico Paz. I like him; he is an original, creative, and mischievous player." Totti's admiration for Paz is not just based on his skills but also on his unique playing style, which has caught the eye of many in the football community.
Paz has emerged as one of the standout players in Serie A this season, contributing significantly to Como's campaign with an impressive tally of six goals and six assists in 29 matches. His performances have not only made him a key player for Como but have also drawn the attention of the Argentinian national team coach, Lionel Scaloni. Paz made his debut for Argentina against Bolivia in October 2024 and continued to impress by participating in the 4-1 victory over Brazil in March 2025.
Francesco Totti’s faith in Paz is rooted in the young midfielder’s journey since leaving Real Madrid in mid-2024 to join Como. Totti remarked, "Por juventud, yo pienso que Real Madrid ha hecho la mejor elección. Meterlo al Como para que gane experiencia, sobre todo en el Calcio, que no es simple," which translates to, "For his youth, I think Real Madrid made the best choice by putting him in Como to gain experience, especially in Calcio, which is not simple." This strategic move by Real Madrid has allowed Paz to develop his skills in a competitive environment, preparing him for a potential return to the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid retains a buyback option for Paz, set at 8 million euros for the summer of 2025. This clause is especially significant considering that if the club decides not to exercise this option, the price will increase by 1 million euros each subsequent year. With Paz's current market value estimated at 35 million euros according to Transfermarkt, he presents a lucrative opportunity for clubs looking to invest in young talent.
The interest in Paz is not limited to Real Madrid. Reports indicate that Serie A giants Inter Milan have been monitoring the midfielder's progress for several months, considering a potential transfer. Totti's endorsement of Paz could further elevate his profile in the transfer market, making him a sought-after player in the upcoming transfer windows.
As the season progresses, the spotlight on Nicolás Paz continues to grow. His ability to adapt to the rigors of Italian football and his impressive performances have solidified his status as one of the revelations of the Serie A season. Totti's belief that Paz will return to Madrid and become one of the best players in the world resonates with many who have witnessed the young talent's development.
In a broader context, Totti's comments reflect the ongoing trend of clubs investing in young talent and the importance of gaining experience in competitive leagues like Serie A. As older players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric approach the twilight of their careers, Real Madrid is in urgent need of fresh talent to rejuvenate their midfield. Paz's skill set and potential make him an ideal candidate to fill that void in the near future.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Nicolás Paz's career, Totti's words serve as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for this talented midfielder. With continued development and the right opportunities, Paz is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage. The football community will be watching closely as he navigates his career, with many believing that he is destined for greatness.
