Imagine being just 13 years old and netting the very first goal that kicks off a legendary player's coaching journey – that's the incredible story of a promising young footballer who got his big break under Xabi Alonso's guidance. It's moments like these that remind us how football can change lives in the blink of an eye, and Chema Andres is living proof of that magic.
AFP
November 14, 2025 – 12:04 PM CET
In a candid chat, former Real Madrid youth prospect Chema Andres shares fascinating insights into his initial experiences in the club's academy alongside Xabi Alonso. He describes the training drills led by the Spanish star as truly awe-inspiring and drops the bombshell that he was the one who scored the inaugural goal in Alonso's entire managerial tenure – a milestone for the man who's now a Liverpool icon in coaching circles.
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The young star who etched himself into Alonso's coaching history
Chema Andres's path has evolved from the grassy pitches of Real Madrid's youth system to holding down a key spot in Stuttgart's engine room, but a standout chapter from his past dates back to 2018. Joining the Madrid setup at the tender age of 13, he quickly crossed paths with Xabi Alonso, who was just starting out as a coach after his stellar days as a midfielder. For beginners in football lingo, think of Alonso as the precise passer who orchestrated games for clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid – now channeling that genius into molding young talents.
Andres remembers that time like it was yesterday. Alonso had freshly stepped into the role at Madrid's youth ranks, and in his debut game as head coach, it was Andres who found the net first. 'He was my initial coach at Real Madrid,' Andres shared in an exclusive interview with AS (https://as.com/futbol/seleccion/chema-andres-no-me-veo-como-rodri-ni-busquets-tchouameni-es-el-mejor-f202511-n/). 'We both joined the Under-14 A squad at the same time, and I bagged the opener in our first fixture off a rebound – it's kind of a quirky tale, really.' To clarify for those new to the sport, a rebound goal happens when the ball bounces back off something like the post or a defender after a shot, giving the scorer a lucky second chance – pure opportunism in action!
But while that goal was a highlight, what really left a lasting impression on Andres were the practice sessions. 'After we'd wrap up training, he'd hang around extra, firing pinpoint passes to the keepers or launching those perfect long balls right to their boots – it was nothing short of mesmerizing,' he continued. 'He'd invite us to join in, though let's be honest, our efforts paled in comparison to his laser-like accuracy.' This kind of dedication from a coach like Alonso, who played at the highest levels, shows how elite pros can elevate everyday drills into something inspirational, helping young players grasp advanced techniques step by step.
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Andres's seamless integration and quick ascent at Stuttgart
Fast forward seven years, and Andres has shed his youth academy label to become a reliable starter in Germany's Bundesliga. Following his first-team bow for Madrid in the early months of 2025, he made the leap to Stuttgart over the summer break, hungry for regular action in elite matches. Not many, including Andres, anticipated how effortlessly he'd settle in – it's like he was born for it.
When quizzed on his choice of club, the now-20-year-old explained: 'Stuttgart stands out for their commitment to nurturing emerging stars. They're bold about thrusting youngsters into the thick of competitive games, which builds real character. They showed faith in me early on and laid out a vision that excited me no end.' For context, this approach contrasts with bigger clubs that sometimes bench talents longer; Stuttgart's strategy is all about accelerated growth, giving players like Andres the platform to shine without the pressure of a superstar squad.
In his opening stint, he's shone brightly with assured displays, quickly winning over head coach Sebastian Hoeness and the club's technical staff. His sturdy build, smart positioning on the field, and knack for distributing the ball have made him a natural addition. But life off the pitch? That's been a steeper curve. 'I caught [Alejandro] Grimaldo's recent comment about German being an impossible tongue – spot on, I couldn't agree more,' Andres chuckled. 'Picking up the language is my toughest challenge right now. On the bright side, my English is solid, so chatting with teammates is a breeze. Still, I'm pushing to master some German basics in the coming months.' Learning a new language while adapting to a foreign league adds another layer of grit to a young player's story – it's not just about boots on the grass.
'I'm over the moon here,' he added warmly. 'No one, myself included, thought the transition would go this swimmingly. These past four months have been fantastic, and I'm crossing my fingers the next batch will match or top them.'
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Reflecting on his Madrid roots and aspirations for Spain's youth setup
Even with his relocation to Germany, Real Madrid's influence lingers large in Andres's narrative. He stresses that his departure wasn't fueled by bitterness, although scarce playing time during the Club World Cup did sway his thinking a bit. 'It wasn't the main trigger, but yeah, it helped sway the balance,' he reflected. 'I'd been mulling it over prior, yet I held off making a move until post-World Cup to keep things steady and not rush into anything.' The Club World Cup, for newcomers, is that global showdown where Europe's top clubs battle international champions – high stakes that can make or break a young player's confidence.
His growth owes a lot to guiding figures: Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa during academy days, veterans like Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois in first-team sessions, and above all, his grandfather, who rarely missed a game in Andres's formative years. 'The old fella hasn't made it over to Germany yet, bless him, but he will soon,' Andres said affectionately. 'He's been pivotal in my journey; I seriously doubt I'd be where I am without his unwavering support.' Family ties like this often fly under the radar, but they provide the emotional backbone that keeps athletes grounded amid the glamour.
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Charting Andres's future path
This campaign, Andres has blossomed into one of Stuttgart's brightest assets. Blending his tall frame, robust tackling, precise ball-playing, and sharp game awareness, he's fortified the team's central areas like a seasoned pro. Across 12 outings in various tournaments, the 20-year-old has notched a goal and an assist, proving his worth beyond doubt.
Intriguingly, his deal features buy-back options for Madrid, signaling the La Liga powerhouses haven't given up on his potential – a classic move that keeps talents in their orbit. Stuttgart, on the flip side, views him as a cornerstone for years to come. But here's where it gets controversial: Do these buy-back clauses stifle smaller clubs' development efforts, or are they a smart safeguard for investing in youth? It's a debate that divides fans – what do you reckon?
Gazing forward, Andres keeps his ambitions grounded: rack up more game time at Stuttgart, hold his spot in Spain's Under-21 side, and wrap up the season stronger than he began. On dreams of cracking the senior national team? He brushes it off with a grin: 'Nah, that's way off my radar for now.' Simple goals like these keep the pressure in check, allowing steady progress.
So, what about you? Does Andres's story make you believe in the power of youth academies like Madrid's, or do you think clubs should loosen their grip on talents more freely? Share your take in the comments below – agreement, disagreement, or your own hot takes – let's spark a lively discussion!
