On August 18, 2026, Atlético de Madrid officially confirmed that winger Arnau Ortiz, a product of their youth academy, has been promoted to the first team. He will have opportunities to play in the upcoming La Liga season and other competitions.
Impressive Pre-Season Performance
During the 2026 summer preparations, Arnau was given the valuable opportunity to train with the first team. He impressed in 4 pre-season friendlies, delivering a notable record of 2 goals and 1 assist. Specifically, he scored against both Getafe and Manchester United, and provided an assist for teammate Carlos Martín after a sharp run down the right flank in the match against Marseille. His proactive attitude in training and effective on-pitch performance ultimately earned him the full confidence of head coach Diego Simeone, which was key to his promotion.
Built on Last Season’s Top Scorer Success
Arnau’s promotion is built on the foundation of his outstanding performance last season. In the 2025/26 season, he played for the team in the Primera Federación (Spanish Royal Football Federation First Division) and was crowned the league’s top scorer with an exceptional 23 goals, showcasing his scoring ability and immense potential as a winger.
A New Chapter in His Professional Career
By officially joining the first-team squad, the young player from Catalonia is embarking on a new stage of his professional football career. The club has confirmed that Arnau will wear the number 16 shirt in the new season, becoming part of Simeone’s tactical plans and bringing new energy to the team’s attack.
