Spanish midfielder Thiago Petar is preparing to return to Real Madrid training on Monday, just nine days after leading Spain to the Under-19 European Championship title, with a clear goal of earning a place in the first team for the new season.

The 18-year-old enters the summer preparation period with great ambition, having previously stated that he preferred to postpone talk about his future until after the European Championship, a time that has now arrived with the start of Real Madrid's camp, where his first meeting with Portuguese coach José Mourinho awaits.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Petar is highly regarded by Mourinho, who has received very positive reports about the young midfielder and considers him one of the club's most promising talents. Therefore, he wants to monitor him closely during the preparation period before making a decision about his future with the team.

Petar will compete alongside a group of academy players being monitored by the coaching staff, but his situation differs from others as he has already appeared with the first team and delivered impressive performances, making him one of the top candidates for a new opportunity.

Thiago Petar in the Spain national team jersey (player's Instagram account)

The player arrived at camp in high spirits after his standout performance at the Under-19 European Championship, where he played a pivotal role for Spain under coach Paco Gallardo, featuring as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively alongside his physical attributes.

Petar was named in the tournament's Best XI and finished as the top assist provider with five key passes, further confirmation of his technical development and the great maturity he has shown despite his young age.

The midfielder will face a different competition in Real Madrid's midfield following the squad changes, with Dani Ceballos leaving and Portuguese Bernardo Silva joining—one of the signings that received direct support from Mourinho—which increases the competition for places, without altering the player's desire to stay and fight for his opportunity.

Petar's journey to the first team was not easy, as he moved between the academies of Atlético Madrid, Getafe, and Leganés before joining Real Madrid's academy 'La Fábrica'. The 2025 and 2026 seasons saw his true breakthrough, as he moved from the youth team to starting regularly with the first team and played matches in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu.

His rapid development resulted in a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2030. Now the player awaits a new test in his career: convincing Mourinho of his abilities, just as he previously won the trust of coaches like Álvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, hoping to secure his place permanently in the ranks of the royal club.