Fran Gonzalez is one of the most highly-rated young prospects coming through the ranks at Real Madrid.The Merengues have huge expectations from the 20-year-old towering goalkeeper, with former manager...
Fran Gonzalez is one of the most highly-rated young prospects coming through the ranks at Real Madrid.
The Merengues have huge expectations from the 20-year-old towering goalkeeper, with former manager Carlo Ancelotti even likening him to Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon in the past.
Fran made his first-team debut for Real Madrid last season in a La Liga game against Valencia, in a losing cause, but there is no denying his quality and potential – which he is currently showcasing at the U20 World Cup in Chile.
Real Madrid excited, but hardly surprised
According to AS, Real Madrid are absolutely ‘delighted’ with Fran’s performances for Spain at the U20 World Cup, but are ‘not surprised’ whatsoever by what they are seeing.
“It is what he does every day,” say those who watch him train behind the scenes at Valdebebas.
Fran has been a permanent fixture for Spain at the U20 World Cup, playing a key role in the team reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.
In four games at the competition, the Real Madrid academy gem has kept two clean sheets, while conceding three goals.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper’s most defining performance came in the third group game against Brazil, preventing Spain’s early exit and securing safe passage to the Round of 16.
𝑭𝑹𝑨𝑵 𝑮𝑶𝑵𝒁𝑨́𝑳𝑬𝒁 𝑫𝑬 𝑴𝑰 𝑽𝑰𝑫𝑨
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) October 4, 2025
La parada del portero español es DESCOMUNAL, como su partido.
España vence a Brasil y espera noticias para conocer si está entre las mejores terceras. #U20WCpic.twitter.com/7Oet48NFiX
First, Fran kept the match level with important interventions, and then, with two sensational saves, he preserved Spain’s one-goal lead, gained through Iker Bravo’s goal.
The youngster made a fine stop to stop Luighi’s strike from point-blank range, getting down low and turning the ball away with his glove; before pulling off another sensational stop to deny Wesley, showcasing pure reflexes.
After helping Spain to a 1-0 win over Brazil, Fran kept another clean sheet in the Round of 16 win over Ukraine, although he was hardly tested on this occasion.
Renewal on the horizon
Fran’s contract with Real Madrid currently stands to expire on 30 June, 2026. But the club are already working on extending his stay, given the confidence in his abilities.
Offers and approaches have never been lacking. But both Real Madrid’s faith in Fran, and Fran’s commitment to the team, are enormous.
Inside the club, he is viewed as the natural heir to Thibaut Courtois in the near future. As such, work is already underway to secure his long-term future.
Category: General Sports
