Raúl Asencio receives condolences after grandfather passes away

Real Madrid’s fan community has rallied around academy forward Raúl Asencio after the passing of his grandfather. Messages of sympathy and respect poured in, with many noting Asencio’s courage for featuring around matchday so soon after his loss. Some supporters felt he should have been granted time off, while others praised his performance and resilience in difficult circumstances. In moments like this, clubs typically offer compassionate leave and full psychological support. Football can wait - the priority is family and wellbeing. From teammates to fans, the message is clear: take all the time you need, Raúl. Rest in peace to his grandfather.

The news surfaced within the Real Madrid community following a recent academy matchday, where supporters and insiders highlighted that Raúl Asencio had suffered a family bereavement. The club environment typically activates internal support protocols for players after such events, including counseling access and flexibility around team activities.

Raúl Asencio’s grandfather passed away yesterday. Our deepest condolences to Raúl & his family. RIP. 🙏

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

When a young player suffers a bereavement, the effects show up in small but meaningful ways: disrupted sleep, altered focus, and emotional swings that can carry into training and matches. In Spain, clubs commonly allow compassionate leave and encourage a gradual return to full workload. At a club the size of Real Madrid, the academy structure is well resourced - sports psychologists are embedded, captains are briefed to keep lines of communication open, and staff can tailor minutes or remove matchday pressure entirely.

For the team, the immediate sporting impact is secondary. If Asencio had match involvement around this period, managing his minutes and expectations is sensible. Rotations at academy level are flexible, allowing coaches to balance development with wellbeing. The wider dressing room usually tightens in moments like this; shared purpose and protective energy can lift standards without forcing the player to carry any extra weight.

From a developmental standpoint, the club will prioritize stability: lighter training blocks, clear check-ins, and no rush back to 90 minutes if he needs space. If there are upcoming fixtures in league or youth competitions, the plan should be day-to-day. The message from elite environments is consistent: family first. Football follows when the player feels ready.

Reaction

The fan response has been overwhelmingly compassionate. Many posted heartfelt condolences to Raúl and his family, reinforcing that no game is bigger than a loved one. Notes like “Deepest condolences” and “Stay strong” dominated early replies, while others added “Rest in peace, Abuelo” in a tender nod to his grandfather. Several supporters remarked that Asencio played well despite the circumstances and were surprised he took the field at all, calling it brave - some said it explained why he did not complete the full 90 minutes.

There was also a principled counterpoint from a portion of the fanbase: family should always come before work, and missing a game to grieve should be normalized. That view is not an attack on the player, rather a plea for a healthier culture across football where compassionate leave is standard and stigma-free. Overall, the tone stayed respectful, grounded, and human - a reminder that the sport’s community can be at its best when it shows care without conditions.

Social reactions

My condolences to his family

__Matty (@MattyRMFC)

Stay strong Raul❤️ Madrid is with you 🤍

Harrison🧊 (@badmanxteedain)

My condolences 🙏🏼🤍

Nene🕷️🕸️ (@iamnenehargoe)

Prediction

Short term, expect Real Madrid’s academy staff to offer Asencio compassionate leave and make his schedule optional. If he feels ready to train, sessions will likely be light and focused on rhythm rather than intensity. Matchday decisions should be made late - if he travels, the plan will be reduced minutes and no pressure to start. If he steps away for a brief period, the squad has the depth to cover, and the club will publicly back whatever he chooses.

Medium term, players often return with a clearer sense of purpose, but timelines vary. The staff will prioritize consistency - sleep, nutrition, and a stable training window - over any immediate uptick in performance. If the team faces a congested calendar, a gradual build from cameo appearances to longer stints is the safest path. Do not be surprised if a supportive gesture appears around the next home fixture - a black armband, a moment of silence, or teammates dedicating a goal.

Longer term, this period can strengthen his resilience with the right support. The club’s infrastructure is designed for exactly this - protect the person, and the player will follow.

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Conclusion

This is a moment to remember the person behind the shirt. Raúl Asencio has lost a grandfather, and the football world around him has done the right thing - pause, reflect, and offer kindness. Whether he plays or steps back is entirely his call. The only correct timeline is the one he sets with his family and the club’s medical and performance teams.

Real Madrid’s academy has strong support systems, and they will do what elite clubs should: remove pressure, listen, and be present. The messages from fans matter more than they might realize - they create a safer space for a young player to grieve without fear of judgment. When he is ready, football will still be here. For now, condolences to Raúl and his loved ones. May his grandfather rest in peace.