Official: Moroccan-born Nigerian centre-back departs Real Madrid for CD Leganes

With a statement on the official website, Spanish Segunda División side CD Leganes have announced the signing of Moroccan-born Nigerian centre-back Marvelous Antolín Garzón from Real Madrid.

Marvel was born in Casablanca to a Nigerian mother who crossed Morocco to Spain along with her newly-born baby.

The 19-year-old was later naturalized by Spain after being adopted by a Spanish couple who gave him his current surnames Antolín, from his adoptive father, and Garzón, from his adoptive mother.

The left-footed defender has signed a three-year contract with Leganes, valid until June 30, 2028.

Marvel has represented Spain at U19 level, earning three caps in friendly matches.

As none of those appearances came in competitive fixtures, the 22-year-old remains eligible to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles without requiring a formal change of association from Fifa.

A left-sided centre-back who can also slot in at full-back, Marvel is known for his impressive physical attributes, combining size, strength, and athleticism with solid ball control and a level of experience that belies his age.

He began his footballing journey with Real Madrid's youth team and also had stints at Atlético de Madrid Alcalá, and Rayo Vallecano before returning to Los Blancos as a youth player.

Although Marvel has departed Real Madrid with zero appearances for the first team, he was called up for a Copa del Rey clash against Cacereño in January 2023 but was an unused substitute.

Marvel has been assigned the number 2 kit for the upcoming season and will be presented in the next few days as a new Leganes player.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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