Departing Real Madrid star named Player of the Tournament as Spain secure U19 Euro glory

A recently-departed member of the youth ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid secured for himself an altogether prestigious prize on Sunday night.

As much came owing to his exploits en route to Spain lifting the title at the UEFA U19 European Championships.

La Roja’s up-and-coming youngsters are fresh off following in the footsteps of their more senior counterparts, this summer.

After Luis de la Fuente’s Spain marched all the way to glory at Euro 2024 earlier this month, the country’s crop of U19 stars did likewise on Sunday.

Making the trip to Windsor Park for a finale showdown with France, José Lana’s troops ultimately emerged on the right side of a 2-0 result.

After Iker Bravo opened the game’s scoring during the first-half, substitute Assane Diao put the Spanish out of sight on the far side of the interval.

And the former, on the back of the full-time whistle in Belfast, saw his efforts not only on the night, but across the Euros as a whole, deservedly recognised.

As much came by way of the award for Player of the Tournament, a welcome piece of positive news for Bravo after Real Madrid opted against making his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer.

Conor Laird | GSFN