Real Madrid youth sensation participating in pre-season under Mourinho wanted by French club | OneFootball

Jacobo Ortega is one of many young academy stars participating in the Real Madrid pre-season under new coach Jose Mourinho.

With most of the first-team stars currently on an extended break in light of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mourinho has taken the opportunity to take a closer look at these academy stars.

Ortega, in particular, is in focus after starring for Castilla last season, impressing onlookers with his goalscoring abilities. But Real Madrid are not the only club observing Ortega.

Strasbourg interested in Ortega

Ortega enjoyed a fine season with Castilla. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/jacobo.ortegaa)

According to Rodra of ESPN, Strasbourg have set their sights on the young forward, with the French club keen on bringing him to Ligue 1.

Ortega has emerged as one of the biggest sensations to come out of Real Madrid’s academy this season.

A complete forward with a well-rounded skill set, he established himself as a regular starter for Castilla at just 20 years old, catching the eye with his end product in front of goal.

That form has now earned him a place in Mourinho’s plans for pre-season, with the youngster training alongside the first team as the Portuguese coach runs the rule over several academy graduates.

Does Ortega have a chance in the first-team?

The road to first-team looks tough for Ortega. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Realistically, though, a path into the Real Madrid first team looks extremely difficult for now.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. remain firmly established at the top of the pecking order in attack, with Vinicius, despite ongoing contract complications and interest from Arsenal, still expected to stay at the Bernabeu for now.

Real Madrid have also added further firepower up top, with Yan Diomande reportedly set to join soon in a deal worth well over €100 million.

On top of that, Endrick has returned to the fold following a successful loan spell at Lyon, while Gonzalo Garcia continues to be retained as part of the squad despite persistent exit links, largely due to his value as a homegrown player under UEFA’s registration rules.

With that level of competition ahead of him, a temporary move away, whether to Strasbourg or elsewhere, could actually represent the smarter path for Ortega to continue his development.