After several years of good and loyal service, Karim Benzema (36 years old) returned his apron to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. While we expected that the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium would go after Kylian Mbappé or Erling Haaland, they didn’t want to rush. Last year, they therefore relied on Brazilian stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, as well as the experienced Joselu. In 2024, Casa Blanca has decided to strengthen its offensive sector with Kylian Mbappé (25 years old) and Endrick (18 years old). Two elements that are still young and represent the future of the Spanish and European champion club. But the Merengues are always one step ahead and are already preparing for what comes next.
Jacobo hits all the milestones in Madrid
And it is not in South America, where Juni Calafat regularly unearths young gems, that Real Madrid intends to find its “new” Karim Benzema as explained A.S. this Thursday. Indeed, the Madrilenians already have a profile similar to that of Nueve within Castilla. This is Jacobo Ortega. This name may not mean anything to you. Member of the 2006 generation of the Iberian club, this 18-year-old striker is a pure Madrilenian. The one who was born in the Spanish capital passed through the Sagrado Corazón de Majadahonda (2013-2015) and the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas (2015-2018) before catching the eye of Real Madrid at the age of 12 years. Since then, he has climbed all the ranks within the youth categories, where he notably shone against Inter Milan during the victory of Tenerife International Promises in 2018.
A.S. speaks of an almost faultless journey for Jacobo, who had a complicated year in Cadet A under the orders of Alvaro Arbeloa. The latter didn’t really trust him. Despite this, the one nicknamed “Caco” toughened himself mentally and never gave up. And it paid off with 50 goals scored over the next two years. This season, he is playing with Real Madrid C. A team in which he is the youngest player. Which hasn’t stopped him from already scoring two goals. Summoned by Raul to play with Castilla last week, he spent ten minutes on the field without finding the net. But it’s a new step forward in his young career. Although he dreams of playing professionally, he still has a way to go.
A profile like KB9
But Carlo Ancelotti already knows him very well since they regularly meet at Valdebebas. The Mister also appreciates his profile, that of a “modern striker, measuring 1m91 (82 kg) and with a lot of indoor work behind him” according to A.S.. The Iberian media also explained that in his game, he is getting closer to the 2022 Ballon d’Or. “A very dynamic and well-positioned attacker, who can play on the side or prowl in the box, Jacobo is more of a Benzema than a Haaland. More player than pure finisher. Although it is strange that he is not called up to the Youth League, his determination is unwavering. Caco continues to point the arrow towards the target of his big dream.
The only son in a family of two children, Jacobo works hard, both on and off the field. Another quality he shares with KB9. For the Spaniard, this comes from his upbringing, his parents being in the real estate business. A.S. indicates that since a young age, he has been a player and more generally a young man who knows that there is no reward without effort. Every day,“he leaves home at 7:20 a.m. to take the train to Valdebebas and, from there, after a busy morning, he goes directly to the Polytechnic University to study Business Administration and returns home thirteen hours later having started.” A real coal day for Jacobo, who would like to follow in the footsteps of Benzema.
