Carlos Espi has made a compelling case for more opportunities at Real Madrid after setting a new Spain Under-21 scoring record during the international break.
The 21-year-old scored five times as Spain Under-21s defeated San Marino 13-0, becoming the first Spanish player to score five goals in a match at that level.
Before Espi’s achievement, Jonathan Soriano had scored four against San Marino in 2005, Rodrigo Moreno reached the same total against Denmark in 2012, Alvaro Morata did so against Austria in 2013 and Samu Omorodion matched the record against Malta in 2024.
Espi joined Real Madrid from Levante after scoring 11 LaLiga goals during his first top-flight campaign on the Spanish east coast in 2025/26. Mourinho decided to trigger the striker’s €25M release clause as he sought to add a forward with a different profile from his other attacking options.
The tall striker has made a quick impact in Madrid, scoring two league goals despite limited playing time. His five-goal display for La Rojita has now brought further recognition.
Following Ferran Torres’ injury, Espi has been promoted to Luis de la Fuente’s senior squad for Spain’s two remaining Nations League matches this month.
Spain’s 13-0 victory also kept them at the top of their qualifying group for the 2027 U21 Euros. Their final group fixture is against Romania in Ibiza on October 6th, with victory enough to secure qualification.
