Marc Santos, Macià lead teenage revolution in LaLiga

Matchday 1 of LaLiga 2026-27 delivered an unusual sight: teenagers competing without hesitation against experienced professionals. What was once exceptional is now becoming a trend, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The standout protagonist is Marc Santos, Levante's left winger, who debuted at the RCDE Stadium at just 15 years and 288 days old. The teenager became the third youngest debutant in Spanish top-flight history, behind only Luka Romero and Sansón. He entered in the 63rd minute during a difficult afternoon for his side and turned the match into a positive story.

A generation of underage players

But Santos isn't alone. On the same matchday, Carlos Macià of Villarreal earned minutes again at 17, establishing himself as a genuine option rather than just a prospect. The player had already debuted as a minor and is now working to become important under Iñigo Pérez.

In Segunda division, age is no barrier either: Rafa Cruz (16), from Las Palmas, debuted against Albacete; Holmes Junior, Girona's 16-year-old centre-back, made his full debut with maturity and presence; Manu Rivera (17) started at left-back for Cádiz, and Owen Emeka (17) got his first minutes with Granada.

The Lamine and Cubarsí precedent

This new normal owes everything to two references: Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), who normalized very early debuts. What seemed like an extraordinary exception is now repeating across other clubs. Jorge Domínguez, Atlético Madrid's 16-year-old defender, could soon join them—he has completed the full pre-season with Simeone.