🚨 Carlos Espí Earns First Spain Senior Call-Up After Stunning Five-Goal U-21 Display

Carlos Espí has received his first-ever call-up to Spain’s senior national team, completing a remarkable 24-hour rise from scoring five goals for the Under-21s to joining Luis de la Fuente’s senior squad.

The Real Madrid forward has been promoted to the senior team as a replacement for Ferran Torres, who has withdrawn from the squad because of persistent discomfort in his left ankle.

From five goals to La Roja in a matter of hours

Espí’s promotion comes at the end of an extraordinary international week for the 21-year-old.

After making his first start for Spain Under-21 against San Marino on Thursday, the Real Madrid striker produced a spectacular performance, scoring five times in Spain’s 13-0 victory in the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. He also contributed two assists according to Reuters.

Just a day later, De la Fuente decided to move Espí into the senior setup.

The timing makes the call-up particularly striking. Espí had only recently received his first Under-21 selection, meaning his progression from that level to the senior team has happened extremely quickly.

Ferran Torres' withdrawal opens the door

Espí's opportunity comes because Ferran Torres has left the Spain camp after continuing to experience discomfort in his left ankle.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that its medical staff had been in contact with Paris Saint-Germain throughout the process before the decision was made to release Torres and prioritise his recovery.

De la Fuente subsequently selected Espí to complete the squad for Spain’s remaining Nations League fixtures against Czechia and Croatia.

Espí's Madrid breakthrough adds to the story

The call-up is not based solely on his five-goal international performance.

Espí joined Real Madrid from Levante during the summer and has already made an impression during his first months at the club. Real Madrid's official profile lists his first-team debut as coming against Espanyol on 22 August 2026, while he has scored twice in the 2026/27 campaign.

His two league goals have also proved valuable, coming in victories over Espanyol and Elche, according to RTVE.

That combination of club form and his extraordinary display for the Under-21s has now pushed him into the senior picture.

A new chapter begins for the Real Madrid forward

Espí will now join a Spain squad preparing for two Nations League matches.

Spain are scheduled to host Czechia in Oviedo on Saturday before travelling to Split to face Croatia on Tuesday, October 6.

Whether Espí makes his senior debut remains to be seen, but his promotion represents a significant moment in the young forward's development.

For a player who was with the Under-21s only days ago, the opportunity to train and potentially play alongside Spain's senior stars represents the latest step in what has been a rapid rise since his move to Real Madrid.

From Levante prospect to Spain senior squad

Espí's journey has accelerated considerably since his move from Levante to Real Madrid.

The forward had already earned recognition at Spain's youth levels before this international break, but his five-goal performance against San Marino provided an immediate statement on the international stage.

Now, just 24 hours later, he finds himself in the senior Spain squad.

The next question is whether De la Fuente will hand him his first senior appearance — potentially turning an already remarkable week into an unforgettable one.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Do you think Carlos Espí deserves a senior debut for Spain?

🔥 Fire: Five goals for the U-21s and a senior call-up one day later — how impressive is his rise?

😲 Shock: Did you expect Espí to reach the senior Spain squad this quickly?

👍 Like: Is Espí ready for the next step?

💬 Comment: Should De la Fuente give him minutes against Czechia or Croatia?