Rodri, Llorente, Theo and Lucas Hernández, all trained at Rayo Majadahonda, face off tonight in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Former youth coordinator Pablo López analyses the match and the club's pride.
Four youth players from Rayo Majadahonda will go head-to-head tonight in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Rodri and Marcos Llorente defend Spain, while Theo and Lucas Hernández are key players for France. The match, which kicks off at 21:00 hours at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington (USA), has a special significance for the Madrid club.
Academy Pride
Pablo López, former coordinator of Rayo Majadahonda's youth football for 18 years, has closely followed the careers of these four footballers. “It’s a wonder and a pride to see them at the elite of the elite,” he confesses. López fondly remembers the years spent together and the good relationship with their families. He has even spoken with them during the World Cup.
The French Football Federation requested shirts from the Hernández brothers for a tribute to their beginnings at Rayito. Rayo Majadahonda provided them and the gesture has become a symbol of the bond between the club and its stars.
Rodri back to Ballon d'Or level
For Pablo López, seeing Rodri regain his best form is a joy. “He is playing in this World Cup at the same level as when he won the Ballon d'Or,” he highlights. The midfielder is key in Luis de la Fuente's scheme. Marcos Llorente, on the other hand, has grown spectacularly since joining Atlético de Madrid. “He is a very versatile player, capable of playing in any position,” López adds.
Both players have been fundamental for Spain to reach these semifinals. According to the former coach, the team has improved over time and is now in optimal form. “Rodri has once again been responsible for the success,” he asserts.
France, favourite but not invincible
Pablo López's analysis does not hide the difficulty of the opponent. “France has a fantastic team, with Mbappé, Dembelé, Doué and Olise up front,” he lists. He also highlights Barcolá and Cherki as additional threats. However, he warns that World Cup semifinals must be played and Spain has shown its ability to react.
“Lamine Yamal and Fabián are reaching their optimal state,” López points out, also praising Merino's emergence. For him, the match is very evenly matched and any mistake could be decisive.
The line-ups, no surprises
Pablo López does not expect major changes in the starting elevens. Both Deschamps and De la Fuente will repeat the teams from the last matches. The only doubt in France is whether Doué or Bartolá will play. “I don’t think Theo Hernández will play because Digné is doing well and is stronger defensively,” says López, who remembers that Lamine Yamal will be on the opposing side.
The match promises strong emotions for Rayo Majadahonda, which will see four of its sons face off on the biggest stage in world football. A fact that Pablo López describes as “unrepeatable” and that fills the entire club with pride.
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