According to a report by Madrid Universal on Friday, November 6, 2026, Real Madrid have secured the services of academy defender Alejandro Castano until 2030, rewarding the 17-year-old after his progress through the club’s youth ranks.

The agreement reflects Madrid’s effort to retain emerging players, following the contract extension given to academy prospect Diego Lacosta. Castano’s new deal gives the club several more years to oversee his development as he works towards the possibility of reaching the senior side.

Born in 2009, Castano has taken a route through youth football. Before arriving at La Fabrica in early 2025, he spent time at Quirinal, Sporting Gijon, Roda on loan and Villarreal. He initially joined Madrid’s Juvenil C side before moving up the academy structure.

His performances this season have strengthened his standing within the club. Castano has started seven of Juvenil B’s first eight league matches, during which the Under-18 team has conceded just four goals. His consistency has also earned him opportunities to train with Alvaro Lopez’s Juvenil A Under-19 squad, a step up that indicates growing confidence in his potential.

The defender’s progress has come despite an early setback in his Madrid career. In August, he suffered a serious shoulder injury that required surgery and temporarily interrupted his development. He has since recovered and returned to establish himself as one of the academy’s notable prospects.

Castano, who supports Real Madrid, has also gained experience with Spain’s youth teams. He represented the country at Under-15 level and has made two appearances for the Under-16 side, adding international exposure to his club development.

His representation by CAA Stellar, the agency associated with players including Eduardo Camavinga and Ibrahima Konate, is another detail in his developing career. However, the immediate priority will be continuing his progress through Madrid’s youth teams rather than rushing into senior football.

The contract extension until 2030 secures Madrid’s options over a defender whose performances have attracted attention within the academy. Castano now has a longer period to build on his recovery, gain experience at higher youth levels and pursue his ambition of representing the club’s first team.