At just 15 years old, Ronan Rähn is already living a football journey most players only dream of. The son of former Estonia international Taavi Rähn moved to Spain at the age of 13 and is now part of Villarreal’s famed youth academy, where he is developing as a central defender.
Rähn’s path began at Nõmme United, but three consecutive training camps in Spain opened the door to a long-term opportunity with Villarreal. Impressed by his performances, the La Liga club invited him to join their youth system — a decision that meant leaving Estonia, his family, and his comfort zone behind.
“When I arrived, my Spanish was zero and my host family didn’t speak English,” Ronan recalled in an interview with soccernett.ee. Daily life was a crash course in adaptation, from relying on Google Translate to adjusting to an unusual diet of late-night burgers and even sugar-covered bread for breakfast.
That first year was spent with a Spanish host family, alongside academy players from Peru and Germany. Now, with his own family having since relocated to Spain, life has become more settled and professional: structured recovery routines, healthier meals, and a support system at home.
Because of federation rules, Ronan has yet to play league matches for Villarreal — foreigners must be 16 to receive registration. Instead, he has gained experience through friendlies and tournaments. Next season, he is set to join a Villarreal partner club that will allow him to play regular league football, before returning to Villarreal with full eligibility.
Rähn has already represented Estonia at U15 and U16 level, while also joining the U17 squad for training camps. Standing 182 cm tall and still growing, he fits the mould of a modern centre-back — strong, mobile, and confident with the ball.
Looking ahead, Ronan remains open about his career path. “If the right deal comes, I’d love to go all the way in Spain. If not, then maybe England or the US after high school,” he said. His father Taavi, who now works in football agency, believes Villarreal offers everything needed: “There are pitches, gyms, physiotherapists, all close by. No excuses. The conditions to become a professional are there.”
For Estonia, the Rähn name could soon have a new chapter. The first belonged to Taavi, a mainstay of the national team’s defence for more than a decade. The next may well be Ronan — rising high in Spain, with his own career still unfolding.
Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/13-aastaselt-uksinda-hispaaniasse-kolinud-ja-villarreali-akadeemiaga-liitunud-ronan-rahn-minu-hispaania-keel-oli-taiesti-null
