Nicolás Paz: The Rise of Como's Midfield Maestro
In the competitive landscape of European football, few young talents have transitioned from a prestigious academy to a leading role in a top-flight league as rapidly as Nicolás Paz Martínez. A dynamic attacking midfielder known for his vision and technical precision, Paz has evolved from a versatile youth prospect at Real Madrid into a cornerstone of the Serie A side Como and a key asset for the Argentina national team.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Nicolás Paz Martínez
- Date of Birth: 8 September 2004
- Current Club: Como (Serie A)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- National Team: Argentina
- Major Achievement: 2026 FIFA World Cup Runner-up
- Individual Honor: Serie A Best Under-23 Player (2024–25)
Early Development and La Fábrica
Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, to a Spanish mother and an Argentine father—former international Pablo Paz—Nicolás was eligible to represent two footballing powerhouses. His journey began at CD San Juan and Tenerife before he was recruited by La Fábrica, Real Madrid's renowned youth academy, in 2016.
Paz's development was marked by tactical flexibility. He began his youth career as a central defender before moving forward to play as a centre forward and later as a winger for the under-19 squad. This versatility eventually led him to his natural home as a playmaker and central midfielder.
Breakthrough at Real Madrid
Paz made his senior debut for Real Madrid Castilla in January 2022. His ascent to the first team culminated on 8 November 2023, when he debuted in the UEFA Champions League against Braga. Shortly after, he made his La Liga debut in a victory over Valencia.
One of the highlights of his tenure in Madrid was scoring his first Champions League goal on 29 November 2023, helping secure a 4–2 win against Napoli. Despite his promise, the search for consistent playing time led him toward a new challenge in Italy.
Dominance in Serie A with Como
On 25 August 2024, Paz signed a four-year deal with the newly promoted Serie A club Como for a reported €6 million fee. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in October 2024 against Parma.
His debut season was a resounding success, recording six goals and nine assists, which earned him the Best Under-23 player award at the 2024–25 Serie A Awards. By the 2025–26 season, Paz had become the team's focal point, wearing the #10 shirt. His form was so impressive that Como reportedly rejected a €50 million offer from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025.
Paz continued to shine throughout 2025, earning the "Rising Star of the Month" title for both August and September. A historic milestone occurred on 19 October 2025, when he scored and assisted in a victory over Juventus—Como's first win against the Turin giants since 1952.
International Career with Argentina
Choosing to represent Argentina, Paz made his senior debut on 15 October 2024, providing an assist for Lionel Messi in a 6–0 win over Bolivia. He later scored his first international goal via a free kick against Mauritania in March 2026.
: Paz with Argentina in 2026
Paz was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He featured in the group stages, including a debut appearance against Algeria where he replaced Lionel Messi. Argentina reached the final, where they ultimately finished as runners-up after a match against Spain, Paz's country of birth.
Style of Play
Paz is characterized as a modern "number 10". This role describes a creative playmaker who operates between the midfield and the attack. He is highly regarded for his dribbling, shooting ability, and capacity to dictate the tempo of the game through precise playmaking.
Career Summary
The following table provides an overview of Nicolás Paz's professional club and international trajectory.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth Academies | CD San Juan, Tenerife, Real Madrid (La Fábrica) |
| Senior Clubs | Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid, Como |
| International Team | Argentina |
| Key Honors | La Liga (23/24), UCL (23/24), World Cup Runner-up (2026) |
| Total Club Apps/Goals | 136 Appearances / 32 Goals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Nicolás Paz born?
Nicolás Paz was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Which national team does Nicolás Paz play for?
Despite being born in Spain, Paz represents the Argentina national team.
What position does Nicolás Paz play?
He plays as an attacking midfielder, often described as a modern "number 10" due to his playmaking and dribbling skills.
How much did Como pay for Nicolás Paz?
Como signed Paz from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €6 million in August 2024.
What was Paz's achievement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Paz was part of the Argentina squad that finished as runners-up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.