A year ago, Jacobo Ramón opened the doors of Como to AS and declared that he wanted to show the world who he was. Having left Real Madrid to establish himself in senior football, the defender is now taking significant steps towards that ambition, earning his first call-up to Spain’s senior squad.
The 21-year-old was speaking to the newspaper at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas before travelling to Prague for Spain’s forthcoming match against the Czech Republic. He admitted that the moment he discovered his name was on the squad list was difficult to believe.
“I was at home and a team-mate called me to tell me to look at my phone. It was Assane Diao. He sent me a photograph and I opened it and saw that it was the squad announcement. At first I couldn't believe it, but then I realised it was true,” Ramón said.
The defender described his first experience with the senior national team as an enormous honour and a source of pride. He has not yet spoken individually with coach Luis de la Fuente, but believes the performances he has produced for Como are what earned him the opportunity.
“I am very happy and proud to be here. If I am here, it is because of him and what I am doing with my team. I will try to do the same with the national team,” he said.
Ramón has made a rapid adjustment since leaving Madrid, where he wanted to find the regular football that would help him develop. He was careful not to suggest that he had already achieved everything he set out to do, but believes he is moving in the right direction.
“I remember that phrase. That was my objective. I left Madrid to try to make a place for myself in professional football. I am not saying I have achieved it, but I am on the right path,” he explained.
A major part of that progress has been the confidence shown in him by Como coach Cesc Fàbregas. Ramón said the former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder had been central to his development, particularly after his move from the Spanish club.
“He trusted me after I left Madrid. He explained everything to me, and his philosophy fits perfectly with my style. I am extremely grateful to him,” Ramón said.
“What makes him special is the way he communicates things. His message reaches everyone. He keeps all of us involved, starters and substitutes, and that is not easy. We all believe in his idea, and it is showing.”
The defender has also been surprised by how quickly he has adapted to the demands of Serie A. He acknowledged that there is still plenty to improve, but said the experience has helped him physically and mentally.
The physical side has been particularly important. Ramón revealed that he has added six kilograms of muscle since his previous interview, something he believes has helped him cope with the strength and intensity of Italian football.
“I have improved physically and defensively. With the ball, I have always been comfortable and it has been one of my strengths, but physically Italy is very demanding and the league has helped me improve a lot in that area,” he said.
He also believes that regular first-team football has helped him become more mature. Leaving Madrid was partly about gaining continuity and learning to handle the pressure that comes with playing at the highest level.
“The biggest change has been mentally. I have played more matches at the top level. That was another reason I left Madrid, to get continuity. Mentally and physically, all of that has helped me improve, although there is still room to get better,” he explained.
Despite his progress, Ramón is not allowing speculation about his future to distract him. Reports have linked him with Premier League clubs, while Real Madrid continue to monitor his development and retain a route to bring him back. But the defender insisted that he is not thinking about a return to the Bernabéu.
“No, I am not thinking about that. It is November and there is a long way to go. I am only thinking about that,” he said. “I am very focused on the day-to-day work with Como, because it is a historic season for the club.”
He is enjoying the excitement surrounding the team, which has grown rapidly in recent years and now has ambitions of competing among Europe’s leading clubs.
“People are amazed. Five years ago they were in the third division and now they see themselves in the Champions League, beating teams such as Manchester United. PSG will be coming soon. They are enjoying it enormously,” Ramón said.
His ambitions are not limited to club football. He hopes to establish himself with Spain, although he is not looking too far ahead to the 2030 World Cup. For now, making the most of his first senior call-up is the priority.
Ramón has also found support from familiar faces since arriving at the national-team camp. He singled out former Castilla coach Raúl González, who sent him a congratulatory message after the call-up and reminded him of where his journey began.
“He wrote to me and wished me all the best in his new stage at Oviedo. It made me remember a little where I started. He sent me a lovely message, and I wished him luck and thanked him for the congratulations,” Ramón said.
The defender has not forgotten the players who influenced him growing up. Sergio Ramos remains his biggest reference, while he also admires Virgil van Dijk and named David Alaba as a father figure during his time at Madrid.
He also spoke warmly about Como team-mate Nico Paz, describing him as an outstanding player whose contribution extends beyond his attacking qualities.
“He has everything. He is showing it in the Champions League, where he is one of the players with the most goals and assists. That is also credit to the team, but above all to him. He defends as hard as anyone. People only see the attacking side, but defensively he is a powerhouse,” Ramón said.
There is one possible European night that he would particularly welcome: a Champions League semi-final against his former club.
Asked whether he had imagined Como facing Madrid, he smiled: “Yes, yes, I have thought about it. It would be great. I would sign up for a Champions League semi-final!”
For now, however, Ramón’s priorities remain firmly with Como and Spain. His departure from Madrid was intended to give him the opportunity to build a professional career, and his first senior international call-up suggests that he is beginning to deliver on that ambition.