Last Updated:April 26, 2025, 16:21 IST

Paz, a Real Madrid graduate, spoke highly of the Barcelona winger as he named the teenage sensation when quizzed about a player he would like to play with.

Former Real Madrid player Nico Paz has stirred up a controversy, expressing his admiration for Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Paz, who currently plays for Italian side Como, started his youth career with CD Tenerife before shifting his base to the Spanish capital in 2016. After joining the Real Madrid academy, the youngster earned a swift promotion through age groups and was called up to the senior team in 2023. He represented Los Blancos in eight matches before moving to Cesc Fabregas’ Como on the back of a € 6 million deal with the hope of getting more game time.

Real Madrid has a 50 per cent sell-on clause in Paz’s contract as well as a buy-back option. There were speculations that the Spanish club could consider re-signing the 20-year-old midfield prodigy in future.

But does Paz remain interested in coming back to the Santiago Bernabeu? The question emerged after his revelation about Lamine Yamal in a recent interview with Como TV. Paz spoke highly of the Barcelona winger when asked to name someone he would like to play with.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play for Real Madrid, the best team in the world, to play with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, to name a few. I’m sticking with Lamine Yamal, who, for me, is now one of the best in the world… and at his age. The truth is, I’d like to play with him,” Paz said, as quoted by TeamTalk.

Yamal, at the age of 17, has already become a fan favourite. He was a key component of the Spanish national team that won the European Championship last year. He became the youngest player to debut in the continental showpiece after featuring against Croatia, aged 16 years and 338 days.

Yamal also scored a crucial goal in the semi-final against France and had one assist in the summit clash versus England. Thanks to his remarkable campaign, he was named the best Young Player of EURO 2024.

Paz could have played alongside Yamal for Spain if he had chosen his mother’s nationality. Instead, he has followed in his father’s footsteps to represent Argentina. Paz has already made two appearances for the reigning World Cup champions.