Nico Paz
Nico Paz is one of the most talented and important players in the Como 1907 squad. The Argentine attacking midfielder combines technique, creativity, vision and goalscoring ability, qualities that have made him a central figure in the project developed by Cesc Fàbregas.
After developing in the Real Madrid academy, Paz made his first-team debut and scored in the UEFA Champions League before joining Como in August 2024. In Italy, he found regular playing time, greater responsibility and a tactical environment particularly suited to his qualities.
His performances for Como have allowed him to establish himself as one of the most exciting young players in Serie A and earn a regular place in the Argentina national team setup.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Nicolás Paz Martínez
Known As: Nico Paz
Date of Birth: September 8, 2004
Place of Birth: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Nationality: Argentina
Second Nationality: Spain
Height: 1.85 m
Position: Attacking midfielder
Other Positions: Central midfielder, winger, second striker
Preferred Foot: Left
Current Club: Como 1907
Shirt Number: 10
Joined Como: August 25, 2024
Como Debut: August 26, 2024
National Team: Argentina
Who Is Nico Paz?
Nicolás Paz Martínez, commonly known as Nico Paz, was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands on September 8, 2004.
He is the son of Pablo Paz, a former Argentine defender who played in the Spanish top division and represented Argentina at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Nico Paz began playing football with CD San Juan before entering the Tenerife youth system. In 2016, at 11 years of age, he was signed by Real Madrid and joined the club’s prestigious academy, La Fábrica. Further biographical and career information is available in his Transfermarkt profile.
During the early stages of his development, Paz also played as a centre-back. As he progressed through the academy, he was gradually moved into midfield and attacking positions, where he could make greater use of his technical and creative qualities.
His versatility has allowed him to play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger and second striker. His most natural role is as an attacking midfielder with the freedom to move between the lines.
Club Career
Development at Real Madrid
Paz entered the Real Madrid youth system in 2016 and completed his technical development within La Fábrica.
He progressed through the club’s different age groups and demonstrated quality in possession, goalscoring ability and a strong understanding of space.
His transition from predominantly defensive roles to more advanced positions helped him become a complete player. His experience in different areas of the pitch improved his understanding of how attacks develop.
Paz also participated in national and international competitions with Real Madrid’s youth teams, preparing himself for the transition into professional football.
Real Madrid Castilla
Nico Paz made his debut for Real Madrid Castilla on January 8, 2022, appearing during the closing stages of a match against FC Andorra.
He scored his first professional goal in February 2023, contributing to Castilla’s victory over Córdoba.
With Real Madrid’s reserve team, Paz gained experience in senior football and faced opponents who were physically and tactically more developed than those in youth competitions.
His performances for Castilla allowed him to move closer to the first team and earn regular call-ups from Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid First Team
Paz made his Real Madrid first-team debut on November 8, 2023, appearing during the second half of the UEFA Champions League match against Braga at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Three days later, he made his first La Liga appearance during a 5-1 victory over Valencia.
On November 29, 2023, Paz scored his first senior goal. The goal came in Real Madrid’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Napoli. His appearances and competition record can also be consulted through Nico Paz’s official UEFA Champions League profile.
Paz received the ball outside the penalty area, moved away from pressure and produced a powerful long-range finish. The goal demonstrated his ability to influence matches at the highest level of European football.
During the 2023-24 season, he was part of the Real Madrid squad that won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Nico Paz at Como
The Move to Italy
Como signed Nico Paz from Real Madrid on August 25, 2024, shortly after the club returned to the Italian top flight.
The transfer gave him the opportunity to play regularly and become a central figure within a project built around young and technically gifted players.
Paz made his Como debut one day after completing the transfer, appearing during the second half of the 1-1 Serie A draw against Cagliari.
The confidence shown by Cesc Fàbregas and Como’s tactical structure allowed Paz to assume significant responsibility in the creation of attacking play.
First Season in Serie A
During the 2024-25 season, Paz established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Serie A. His development continued as Como strengthened their position in the Italian top flight, with results and fixtures available on the Como Serie A 2026-27 page.
He scored his first Como goal on October 19, 2024, during a 1-1 draw against Parma.
Throughout the season, he contributed goals, assists, key passes and individual actions, becoming one of the team’s main technical reference points.
His ability to receive between the lines and create chances helped Como consolidate their position in Serie A and develop a recognisable attacking identity.
At the end of the 2024-25 season, he was named Serie A’s best Under-23 player and was selected for the league’s Team of the Season.
The Number 10 Shirt
Before the beginning of the 2025-26 season, Nico Paz received Como’s number 10 shirt.
The change of number represented recognition of his growing technical and symbolic importance within the team.
In football, the number 10 is traditionally associated with players responsible for creating chances, connecting midfield and attack and assuming responsibility during decisive moments.
Paz has interpreted this role by combining creativity, goalscoring ability and a willingness to contribute without the ball.
Development under Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas has played an important role in Nico Paz’s development. Como 1907 has explored this process in an official feature dedicated to the development of Nico Paz.
The Como coach has given him a central position within the attacking project, asking him to move between the lines, participate in the build-up and regularly arrive in goalscoring areas.
Fàbregas’ experience as a creative midfielder allows him to work directly with Paz on movement, receiving angles and decision-making in the attacking third.
As he has developed, Paz has improved his ability to influence matches even when he has less space and receives particular attention from opposing defenders.
European Football with Como
The growth of the Como project allowed Paz to return to the leading European competitions. Como’s fixtures, results and European journey can be followed through the dedicated Como Champions League page.
After scoring in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, the Argentine midfielder was able to use his international experience to help Como adapt to European football.
His technique, ability to operate under pressure and experience with the Argentina national team have made him one of Como’s most important players in European matches.
Key Moments at Como
Paz has produced several important performances since moving to Italy. Reports, results and match pages from his time at the club are available in the Como matches archive.
- Joined Como from Real Madrid on August 25, 2024.
- Made his Como debut against Cagliari on August 26, 2024.
- Scored his first Como goal against Parma on October 19, 2024.
- Became one of the team’s main creative players.
- Was named Serie A’s best Under-23 player for the 2024-25 season.
- Was selected for the 2024-25 Serie A Team of the Season.
- Received Como’s number 10 shirt before the 2025-26 season.
- Contributed to Como’s domestic and European development.
- Earned a regular place in the Argentina national team.
Playing Style
Creativity between the Lines
Nico Paz is particularly effective when he receives the ball between the opposition midfield and defensive lines.
In these areas, he can turn, advance towards goal and force defenders to move out of position.
His understanding of space allows him to find open areas even against teams operating with a compact defensive structure.
Vision and Final Pass
Vision is one of Paz’s main strengths.
The Argentine midfielder can recognise attacking movements that other players might not immediately see. He can find teammates through short combinations, through balls and switches of play.
The accuracy of his final pass makes him particularly dangerous when he receives possession close to the penalty area.
First Touch
Paz uses his first touch to prepare his next action and move away from pressure.
When receiving between the lines, he frequently attempts to direct the ball towards the opposition goal immediately. This allows him to accelerate the attack without taking unnecessary additional touches.
His first touch is especially important in Como’s system, which attempts to move quickly through the opposition’s lines after an initial phase of possession.
Dribbling and Ball Carrying
Paz can beat opponents through dribbling or progressive ball carries thanks to his technique, coordination and physical structure.
He is particularly effective when moving diagonally from the right side and using his left foot to combine with teammates or attempt a shot.
His ability to carry possession also allows him to move the team forward during attacking transitions.
Long-Range Shooting
Paz possesses a powerful and accurate left-footed shot.
He can shoot from the edge of the penalty area, attack defensive clearances and surprise goalkeepers with sudden attempts.
The goal he scored against Napoli for Real Madrid provided an early example of his ability to make an impact from long range in a match at the highest level.
Set Pieces
The quality of Paz’s left foot also makes him an important option from set pieces.
He can shoot directly at goal or use free kicks and corners to create opportunities for his teammates.
The variety of his delivery forces opponents to respect both the possibility of a direct shot and a cross or prepared routine.
Aerial Ability
Although he is primarily known for his technical qualities, Paz can also provide a threat in the air.
His height, coordination and movement allow him to attack crosses and deliveries towards the far post.
This characteristic adds another dimension to his attacking game and makes him less predictable for opposing defenders.
Work without the Ball
In Fàbregas’ system, Paz must also contribute when Como do not have possession.
He participates in the press, helps direct the opposition’s build-up and attempts to close passing lanes into midfield.
His improvement in defensive phases has helped him become a more complete and dependable player within Como’s collective structure.
Role in Fàbregas’ System
Nico Paz occupies a central position within Cesc Fàbregas’ attacking system.
He can begin matches as an attacking midfielder, an advanced number eight or a player nominally positioned on the right. His starting position is less important than the spaces he occupies during the development of each move.
When Como build from the back, Paz can move deeper to provide a passing option for the midfielders. In other situations, he remains further forward and attempts to receive behind the opposition midfield line.
His presence between the lines creates a tactical problem for the defence. If an opposing midfielder follows him, central space may open for a teammate. If a defender steps forward to control him, the defensive line risks losing its compactness.
Paz can also move towards the right side and combine with the full-back or winger. From that position, he can move inside onto his left foot, release a teammate into space or attempt a shot.
During attacking transitions, his ability to carry possession and quickly recognise the movements of his teammates allows Como to attack the spaces left by the opposition.
The freedom provided by Fàbregas does not mean an absence of tactical responsibilities. Paz must interpret the available spaces, maintain the correct distances from his teammates and participate in the press after possession is lost.
Career Statistics
Club Career
| Club | Period | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid Castilla | 2022-2024 | Attacking midfielder |
| Real Madrid | 2023-2024 | Midfielder |
| Como 1907 | Since 2024 | Attacking midfielder |
Como Statistics by Season
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Serie A | 35 | 6 |
| 2025-26 | Serie A | 38 | 12 |
| 2026-27 | Serie A | 9* | 3* |
*The 2026-27 statistics are based on the information available in early November 2026 and should be updated as the season progresses.
International Career with Argentina
Born in Spain into an Argentine family, Nico Paz chose to represent Argentina at international level.
He represented Argentina at Under-20 level before receiving his first senior call-up.
Paz made his senior Argentina debut on October 15, 2024, during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
After entering during the second half, he provided an assist for Lionel Messi in Argentina’s 6-0 victory.
The debut represented an important moment in his development. His ability to adapt to a team containing established international players demonstrated his maturity and understanding of the game.
His performances for Como subsequently allowed him to earn greater continuity within the Argentina national team group.
Honours
Real Madrid
- UEFA Champions League: 2023-24
- La Liga: 2023-24
- Spanish Super Cup: 2023-24
- Copa del Rey: 2022-23
- UEFA Super Cup: 2024
Individual Awards
- Serie A Best Under-23 Player: 2024-25
- Serie A Team of the Season: 2024-25
Strengths
- Vision
- Creativity
- Final pass
- First touch
- Dribbling
- Ball carrying
- Long-range shooting
- Set-piece delivery
- Movement between the lines
- Late runs into the penalty area
- Aerial ability
- Ball protection
- Tactical versatility
- Goalscoring ability
- Understanding of space
- Personality in important matches
Why Nico Paz Is Important for Como
Nico Paz represents one of the clearest symbols of Como’s sporting growth.
His transfer from Real Madrid demonstrated the club’s ability to attract high-level young players and provide them with a central role in an ambitious project.
Paz is not only one of the team’s main creators. His presence influences the behaviour of opposing teams, which must pay particular attention to the spaces in which he receives the ball.
His technical qualities allow Como to escape pressure, create numerical superiority between the lines and transform possession into goalscoring opportunities.
His ability to score from distance, create assists, take set pieces and attack the penalty area makes Paz a complete attacking player.
His relationship with Cesc Fàbregas represents another important part of his development. The coach can provide him with specific knowledge of the creative midfield role and help him improve his tactical decision-making.
His performances with the Argentina national team have further increased the sporting and international value of his journey with Como.
As the club continues to grow in Italy and European competition, Nico Paz remains one of the most important players for Como’s current and future identity.
FAQ
How old is Nico Paz?
Nico Paz was born on September 8, 2004.
What is Nico Paz’s full name?
His full name is Nicolás Paz Martínez.
Where was Nico Paz born?
Nico Paz was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
What is Nico Paz’s nationality?
Nico Paz holds Argentine and Spanish citizenship. At international level, he chose to represent Argentina.
What position does Nico Paz play?
Nico Paz primarily plays as an attacking midfielder. He can also operate as a central midfielder, winger or second striker.
How tall is Nico Paz?
Nico Paz is approximately 1.85 metres tall.
Which foot does Nico Paz prefer?
Nico Paz is left-footed.
What number does Nico Paz wear for Como?
Nico Paz wears Como’s number 10 shirt.
When did Nico Paz join Como?
Nico Paz joined Como from Real Madrid on August 25, 2024.
When did Nico Paz score his first Como goal?
Nico Paz scored his first Como goal against Parma on October 19, 2024.
Did Nico Paz play for Real Madrid?
Yes. Nico Paz developed in the Real Madrid academy and played for both Castilla and the first team.
Has Nico Paz scored in the Champions League?
Yes. He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Real Madrid against Napoli on November 29, 2023.
Does Nico Paz play for Argentina?
Yes. Nico Paz chose to represent Argentina and made his senior international debut in October 2024.
When did Nico Paz make his Argentina debut?
Nico Paz made his senior Argentina debut against Bolivia on October 15, 2024, and provided an assist for Lionel Messi.
Who is Nico Paz’s father?
Nico Paz’s father is Pablo Paz, a former Argentine defender who participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
What are Nico Paz’s main strengths?
Nico Paz’s main strengths include his vision, creativity, dribbling, first touch, long-range shooting and movement between the lines.
What is Nico Paz’s role in Cesc Fàbregas’ system?
In Fàbregas’ system, Nico Paz operates as the main creative link between midfield and attack, with the freedom to move between the lines and create chances.
Why is Nico Paz important for Como?
Nico Paz is important because he provides creativity, goals, assists and technical quality, making him one of the main symbols of Como’s present and future project.