Eduardo Camavinga was presented as a Real Madrid player this afternoon, and spoke well about taking on a new challenge at what he labelled his dream club. The 18-year-old midfield talent joins Madrid from Rennes, where he came through the youth system. He’s one of the most exciting teenagers in the game.

Camavinga was born in Angola to parents fleeing war in the Congo and brought up in France. He broke into the Rennes first team in 2019, wowing observes with his mature performances. He became a senior French international in 2020, and carries himself with an intelligence and poise rare in teenagers.

“I have had to escape the war and this has helped me and made me stronger,” he said at his presentation. “My family has helped me a lot, and when I play, I play for them.”

Madrid signed Camavinga to strengthen their midfield and add a degree of youthful energy. They already have the spectacularly successful trident of Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos, but each are getting on in age. Camavinga brings real potential to the Santiago Bernabeu and gives Carlo Ancelotti options in midfield.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Josef Newgarden wins Indianapolis 500 with a thrilling last-lap pass
Route 66: Star guards score 33 each as Mavericks take 3-0 WCF lead
Unlikely hero helps Rangers steal Game 3 over Panthers
Braves superstar will miss remainder of 2024 season with torn ACL
Naomi Osaka finishes strong, wins first-round match at French Open
Grayson Murray's parents release heartbreaking statement on cause of death
Watch: Matt Vierling's walk-off HR caps wild game in Detroit
NFL reporter reveals why CeeDee Lamb isn't rushing to sign new contract
Celtics are being vindicated for acquiring Jrue Holiday
Christopher Bell wins abbreviated Coca-Cola 600, Kyle Larson's double attempt foiled by rain
Southampton earns Premier League promotion in world's richest game
Astros RHP day-to-day with forearm discomfort
Mavericks rookie takes brutal knee to the head in Game 3
White Sox manager absolutely shreds team after latest loss
Angels slugger suffers what might be baseball's most bizarre injury of 2024 season
Watch: Unlikely Rangers playoff hero nets two goals vs. Panthers
Celtics put Kristaps Porzingis' return from injury on hold
Watch: Panthers' Sam Reinhart nets two goals in first period vs. Rangers
Watch: Big crash ensues on Lap 1 of 2024 Indianapolis 500
Red Sox release well-traveled right-hander