Every Atlético fan's dream | OneFootball

The season is being a very special one for La Academia. Atlético Madrileño are right in the middle of the fight for promotion to LaLiga Hypermotion, Atlético de Madrid C are leading Group 7 of the Tercera Federación, and the other age groups, with their ups and downs—in some cases, perhaps a bit too pronounced—keep promoting young talent and speeding up development processes. But allow me to focus on a few specific dates, and above all the last one.

On January 31, Jano Monserrate made his debut for the first team in the goalless draw away to Levante UD. On February 28, Julio Díaz got his long-awaited chance as a starter in the win in Oviedo, playing every minute of the match and playing a key role in Julián Álvarez’s goal. On April 4, just over a week ago, Javier Morcillo and Taufik Seidu got their first minutes in the second half against FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano. The very fact that there had already been 4 debuts this season was good news, at least compared to previous years.

Yesterday, April 11, 2026, exactly one week after the league match against Barça, came the biggest news of the season: Javier Boñar, Dani Martínez, Julio Díaz, and Rayane Belaid started the match against Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Four La Academia players in the starting lineup. As much as the first team’s circumstances were what we all know they were, you still need the courage, initiative, and boldness to give them a golden opportunity in the First Division. And they certainly made people talk.

Dani Martínez gave away a penalty, yes, although those kinds of plays should be reviewed carefully once the season is over. And by the way, there was a foul on Sørloth beforehand in that move, but for whatever reason they didn’t want to show it on VAR. From that point on, the man from Zaragoza didn’t shrink for a second and showed personality on the ball, in defensive aerial play, and by taking risks with his passing. In short, what we’ve seen him do every weekend with Madrileño in years past. Clearly grew into the game, and he has the raw material to earn more opportunities. Underrated.

Rayane Belaid was perhaps the one who stood out the least. He played in an attacking midfield role as he usually does in the youth ranks, although he wasn’t quite sharp with his passing, but at least he had one dangerous moment. And that’s no small thing. He played in more positions as well, and I don’t think that really helped him, but the context wasn’t easy and patience is needed. He’ll be playing professional football sooner rather than later.

Julio Díaz. Brutal. There are no words to describe the truly outstanding performance from the left-back, who looks every bit like a player capable of staying among the elite of Spanish football. He dribbled past half of Sevilla’s defense, made good decisions in possession, knew how to control his own tempo by recognizing the right moments to slow the game down, speed it up, and attack spaces… And the cross for Boñar’s assist was absolutely wonderful. In part, it’s a trademark of his, because we’ve already spoken at length both here and on my social media about his ability to deliver crosses both from a standing position and while carrying the ball. Maybe people are a bit unfair about his height, but it has never been an obstacle for him. The debate about his future is now open because—in my opinion—a loan spell in the First Division may not be necessary and he could stay with the team.

And the crown jewel. The moment he, his family, his circle, and all the red-and-white supporters had been waiting years for. Because of his quality, versatility, late runs into the box, goals, work rate, humility, constant desire to improve, and pure Atlético de Madrid. Don Javier Boñar. There’s no other way to call him. A dream debut for the Parla native who, with a classic Atlético Madrileño move, scored the temporary equalizer. A cross from Julio to the far post, and he appears like a diesel locomotive attacking it with a header. A defender with a striker’s soul, although it’s important to point out again that he was trained as a midfielder despite having played various roles and positions over his 12 years as an Atlético player.

His tears during the celebration said it all, but even more moving were his words in the various interviews he gave shortly after the final whistle. “I’ve been working for many years, you go through difficult moments, and I think I deserve this. Thanks to the people who support me, this is for all of them. Atlético de Madrid is the team of my heart. Everyone believed in me. I want to thank the club for the opportunity, and the coach for putting me in,” the defender said. And the truth is, it’s almost impossible to be objective about a player-supporter who defends the rogue stripes with his life if necessary. By the way, the youngest defender in league history to score. Not bad at all.

Javier Boñar showed us and reminded us once again how proud we should be to belong to this family, in every sense of the word. Pure Atlético de Madrid, pure courage and heart, pure Cholo-style rebellion, as I titled the analysis piece on him almost three years ago. The red-and-white values reincarnated in a 20-year-old kid from Parla whose dream was to play for the team he loves. Now, for both Boñar and the other starters, those who came off the bench—Jano and Morcillo—those who haven’t yet had the chance to play for the first team, and those who work every day to achieve their dream, the most important thing is this: patience, hard work, humility, representing the badge and the colors we love and defend in the best possible way.

And to those upstairs, because I know one or two of you usually read us: real opportunities. Debuts for players based on meritocracy and/or profile-specific qualities that fit the needs of the first team or make them potential complements for the squad. But when I say real, I mean the same thing I said about Morcillo and Taufik against Barcelona. Quality minutes, a large number of matches, increasingly important roles, long-term bets on boys who are trying to prove—and are proving—that they can carve out a place for themselves at Atlético de Madrid.

The best is always yet to come.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.