A Real Madrid XI with no Spanish-born players? Examining their homegrown puzzle

In January, Real Madrid played Villarreal in La Liga with a starting line-up which included no Spanish-born players for the first time in their near-121-year history.

That sparked two debates.

The first was about Madrid’s supposed moral obligation to keep as many Spaniards in their ranks as possible. This is an opinion shared by part of the club’s fanbase, while others — including those in charge at their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — prefer to focus on quality rather than passports.

The second was less sentimental and more logical. It had to do with UEFA’s regulations regarding homegrown players. Could Madrid fall short of the minimum number of players to have come through La Fabrica — their academy — or those of other Spanish clubs? Could that influence their transfer strategy?

Madrid sources— who, like the others referenced in this piece, spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their positions — have assured The Athletic the club have no concerns with this issue.

Given the debate that XI against Villarreal sparked, however, it is worth asking if the reigning Spanish, European and world champions are right to be so calm about the situation.