Real Madrid’s Latest Gem: Who Is Rachad Fettal?
Real Madrid never stops planning for the future. Their latest move? Securing 20-year-old striker Rachad Fettal from UD Almería, with the young forward set to join Castilla, Madrid’s reserve team. While not a blockbuster signing, this deal is a classic Madridista move—identifying raw talent before they explode.
But who is Rachad Fettal? And why are Los Blancos investing in him? Let’s dive in.
Breaking Down Rachad Fettal’s Profile
Early Career & Background
Born in Torre-Pacheco, Spain, Rachad Fettal is a Moroccan-Spanish dual-national who has represented both countries at youth levels. Standing at 1.84m (6’0”), he’s a physically strong, mobile striker with a knack for finding the net.
His journey started at local clubs EF Torre Pacheco and UCAM Murcia before joining Almería’s youth system in 2020. His rapid rise saw him debut for Almería B at just 16, and by December 2023, he earned his first-team debut in La Liga.
Key Strengths & Playing Style
Fettal isn’t a flashy dribbler or a pure poacher—he’s a hardworking, versatile forward who can:
✔ Play as a No. 9 or on the wing
✔ Hold up play with his physicality
✔ Press aggressively (a must in modern football)
✔ Finish clinically in the box
His style has drawn comparisons to Borja Mayoral—a hardworking, efficient striker who thrives in structured systems.
Why Real Madrid Wanted Him
1. A Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing
Fettal had just one year left on his Almería contract, meaning Madrid secured him for a minimal fee. Given his potential, this is a smart piece of business.
2. Castilla’s Need for a New Striker
With Gonzalo García (Castilla’s top scorer last season) likely moving up to the first team, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side needed a replacement. Fettal fits the bill perfectly.
3. Madrid’s Long-Term Youth Strategy
The club has been aggressively signing young talents (like Franco Mastantuono and Turkish prodigy Arda Güler). Fettal is another strategic addition to their pipeline.
Rachad Fettal’s Stats Breakdown
| Season | Team | Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Almería B | Primera RFEF | 18 | 6 | 3 |
| 2023-24 | Almería | La Liga | 12 (9 subs) | 1 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Almería Juvenil | Youth League | 7 | 5 | 2 |
Stats may vary slightly depending on sources.
What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
- He’s still raw—his senior numbers aren’t eye-catching yet.
- But his youth record is promising—he was top scorer in the 2022-23 Copa del Rey Juvenil (5 goals).
- He needs minutes—Castilla will give him the perfect platform to develop.
What’s Next for Fettal at Real Madrid?
Short-Term: Dominating with Castilla
Fettal will lead the line for Castilla in Primera Federación, Spain’s third tier. If he adapts quickly, he could follow in the footsteps of Gonzalo García, who scored 25 goals last season before earning first-team recognition.
Long-Term: First-Team Ambitions
Madrid’s attack is stacked (Mbappé, Vinícius, Endrick, Rodrygo), so breaking in won’t be easy. However:
✔ A strong loan spell (like Brahim Díaz at AC Milan) could fast-track his growth.
✔ Injuries or squad rotations might open doors in Copa del Rey or lower-stakes games.
The Bigger Picture: Real Madrid’s Youth Revolution
This signing is another example of Los Blancos’ commitment to youth development. With talents like García, Fettal, and Mastantuono, the club is ensuring a pipeline of homegrown and acquired stars ready to step up when called upon.
Could Fettal be the next Karim Benzema or Raúl González Blanco? Only time will tell—but the early signs are extremely promising.
What Can Real Madrid Fans Expect?
A Physical, Direct Forward
He’s been compared to Darwin Núñez, a powerful Mo Salah-style striker who excels in transition and is known for taking on defenders10. His aerial prowess and his hold up ability means defenders have a terrible time of dealing with him and his work rate fits into the modern game.
On The Road: Castilla And Beyond
Though Fettal will begin with Castilla, his road is probably very similar to what Gonzalo García’s will be: Ride high in the reserves, then get your chance at making it with the first team. With Real Madrid’s stacked attack, a loan move in the future isn’t completely out of the question — but for now, Arbeloa will shape him into a more well-rounded forward.
Final Verdict: A Smart Move by Real Madrid
This isn’t a signing that will make headlines like Mbappé or Bellingham—but it’s a clever, forward-thinking deal. Fettal has the physical tools, work rate, and potential to become a useful squad player in a few years.
Will he be the next Raúl or Benzema? Probably not. But could he be a solid backup or future sale for profit? Absolutely.
