Jose Antonio Reyes Junior, the son of late Arsenal legend Jose Antonio Reyes, has signed his first professional contract with Real Madrid.

This significant milestone comes four years after the untimely death of his father, marking a new chapter in the Reyes family’s football legacy.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger (L) poses with newly signed Jose Antonio Reyes (R) at the Arsenal training centre in London 30 January 2004. The 20-year-old striker, who joined from Seville in a deal totalling 17 million pounds (30 million dollars), may have to wait for his English debut as Arsenal are waiting to hear if the international clearance given to Reyes by the Spanish FA will include the fact he is subject to a one-match club suspension. AFP PHOTO Nicolas ASFOURI
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger (L) poses with newly signed Jose Antonio Reyes (R) at the Arsenal training centre in London 30 January 2004. The 20-year-old striker, who joined from Seville in a deal totalling 17 million pounds (30 million dollars) AFP PHOTO Nicolas ASFOURI

The young Reyes has demonstrated significant promise, especially with his performances for Real Madrid’s B team.

“It is a very special moment for me,” Reyes Jr stated. “I have signed my first professional contract with Real Madrid and I want to thank the club for its trust and my family for its daily support. I will continue working and doing my best to go very far.”

The new professional contract for Reyes Jr also serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of his father.

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On 1 June 2019, Jose Antonio Reyes died in a car crash that also took the life of his cousin, Jonathon. Juan Manuel Calderón, another occupant of the vehicle, was hospitalised after suffering severe burns while attempting to rescue Reyes.

Reyes Junior was a key player for the Spain side that reached the semi-finals of the U17 Euros in May, further indicating his burgeoning talent. His recent signing and his trajectory thus far mark a new era in the Reyes family’s engagement with football.

The late Jose Antonio Reyes, who was 35 when he died, left an indelible mark on the Arsenal community between 2004 and 2007.

Besides his time at Arsenal, Reyes senior also had periods with several other clubs, including Sevilla, Benfica, and Espanyol.

Reyes holds a special place in Arsenal history, and now his son is poised to create his own legacy in the football world.

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