THE son of a former Arsenal Invincible has taken a huge leap in following in his father’s footsteps.
The 17-year-old has been called up to train alongside the Real Madrid first team by boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The youngster is yet to make his professional debut, but is said to have impressed enough to mix it with the first team.
While donning the famous Real Madrid white in a pro game would mean he has emulated his dad.
That’s because the teen sensation is the son of former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Jose Antonio Reyes.
Named after his dad, Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez is carving his own path in the game and was given a chance to show his skills in front of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Ancelotti.
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Reyes Lopez is normally part of the U17 setup at Los Blancos, but was promoted to first team training after Ancelotti wanted to make up the numbers ahead of Real’s trip to face Valencia on Saturday.
Reyes Lopez has tied his future to Real Madrid too, penning a contract extension last week that will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2027.
And he has also represented the Spanish national side at youth level throughout his development.
His efforts in Madrid’s U17s this season have seen him score four times in seven appearances.
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Jose Antonio Reyes’ career
A brief look into the career of Jose Antonio Reyes…
1999 – 2000: Sevilla B
2000 – 2004: Sevilla
2004 – 2007: Arsenal
2006 -2007: Real Madrid (loan)
2007 – 2012: Atletico Madrid
2008 – 2009: Benfica (loan)
2012 – 2016: Sevilla
2016 – 2017: Espanyol
2017 – 2018: Cordoba CF
2018 – 2019: Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard
2019: Extremadura
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Dad Reyes played 38 times for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win the 2007 La Liga title with six goals and two assists.
He’s perhaps best known for his three-year stint at Arsenal, where he played a part in the Gunners’ undefeated campaign in 2003/04.
Across his time in North London Reyes made 110 appearances, bagging 23 times and setting up a further 26.
He also spent two stints as Sevilla, as well as representing Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Epsanyol amongst other teams during his playing days.
Reyes tragically passed away in a car accident in 2019 at the age of 35.
According to reports at the time, Reyes’ car was travelling at around 116mph when his back-left wheel exploded.
Reyes’ cousin Jonathon also lost his life in the crash.
The star left behind son Reyes Lopez, two daughters and his wife.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
