What Happened to Nicolás Paz Martínez?

Nicolás Paz Martínez was born on September 8, 2004, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and is the son of former Argentine international Pablo Paz. His football journey began at CD San Juan and Tenerife before he joined Real Madrid's prestigious La Fábrica academy in 2016 at the age of 11. Initially playing as a central defender, Paz transitioned to more advanced midfield roles as he developed, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess.

Paz progressed through Real Madrid's youth ranks, making his senior debut for Real Madrid Castilla in January 2022. His first-team debut for Real Madrid came on November 8, 2023, in a UEFA Champions League match against Braga, followed by his La Liga debut later that month. He notably scored his first Champions League goal on November 29, 2023, against Napoli. Despite these flashes of promise, Paz sought more consistent first-team opportunities and, in August 2024, signed a four-year deal with newly promoted Serie A club Como for a reported €6 million fee. Real Madrid, however, retained a buy-back clause, reportedly for €9 million, valid for the summers of 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Under the mentorship of manager Cesc Fàbregas, Paz flourished at Como, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter and a pivotal attacking midfielder. His debut for Como was on August 26, 2024, against Cagliari, and he scored his first goal for the club on October 19, 2024, against Parma. His exceptional performances during the 2024-25 season earned him the Best Under-23 player award at the Serie A Awards and a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season. In the 2025-26 Serie A season, he continued his impressive form, recording 12 goals and 6 assists.

Paz's impressive club form led to his first call-up to the senior Argentina national team. He made his debut on October 15, 2024, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia, where he provided an assist for Lionel Messi in a 6-0 victory. Messi himself praised Paz's "incredible mindset". As of June 2026, Paz has made eight appearances for Argentina and has been selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Notably, he is set to become the first player in Argentina's history to play in a World Cup without having played for a club in the country, even at youth level.

As of June 10, 2026, Paz is reportedly undergoing specialized rehabilitation for a knee injury ahead of Argentina's World Cup campaign. His market value has soared to an estimated €80 million. While Real Madrid has been widely expected to activate their €9 million buy-back clause to bring him back in June 2026, recent reports from June 9, 2026, indicate some uncertainty. Paz himself is reportedly considering staying at Como for another season, where he is guaranteed significant playing time and Como will participate in the 2026/27 Champions League. The final decision regarding his immediate future at Real Madrid is said to rest with the club's new manager, José Mourinho.