Real Madrid youngster reveals the advice given by veteran superstar – ‘Always tells me to…’ | OneFootball

The year 2025 has been a special one for Real Madrid youngster Fran Gonzalez.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper made his first-team debut for Los Blancos towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Now, the young shot-stopper has earned a call-up to the Spanish Under-21 national team for their upcoming Euro qualifiers and even got the opportunity to train with the La Roja senior squad earlier this week.

Fran Gonzalez ecstatic after a memorable year

Speaking in an interview with Radio MARCA, Fran Gonzalez reflected on what he describes as a dream year for him.

“If I had an interview on January 1st, I would never have imagined everything that has happened to me this year,” noted the 20-year-old.

“The truth is that being here is a privilege. All of us in the U-21s are very happy because it’s a huge opportunity to continue growing,” he stated, discussing his Spain call-up.

Asked about his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu against Valencia earlier this year, he recalled how Ancelotti broke the news a day earlier, but could not believe it until he saw the teamsheet.

“I couldn’t believe it until I saw the lineup. It was a day of utter happiness,” said Gonzalez.

Despite the game ending in defeat, the young shot-stopper treasures the memory: “I’ll remember the good things: sharing the pitch with Modric, Valverde, Mbappe, and Vinicius.”

A lifelong Real Madrid fan, Gonzalez confessed: “I’ve always been a Madridista. People who know me know that and are very happy for me.”

Advice from Thibaut Courtois, his role model

Thibaut Courtois is Fran Gonzalez’s role model. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Fran Gonzalez went on to name Real Madrid veteran superstar and current first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as his role model.

“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world and as a person, he’s incredible. What he transmits to us in training is something I try to absorb in my own way,” he explained.

The 20-year-old revealed one piece of advice the Belgian repeatedly shares with him, saying: “He always tells me to enjoy myself and not overthink, that I know how to do that.”

Training daily with Courtois and Andriy Lunin is another major influence that has helped shape him, revealed Gonzalez.

“This is my third year training with them, and the relationship is very good. I try to learn from every detail,” he commented.