After making his first-team debut for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, sharing the dressing room with Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, and representing the Dominican Republic at the Olympic Games, Peter Federico has embarked on a new chapter in his career with Górnik Zabrze in Poland. 

In an exclusive interview with Daniel Sobis for beIN SPORTS, the 23-year-old winger reflects on life at Real Madrid, learning from some of football's biggest stars, and why he believes moving to the Polish Ekstraklasa was the right decision.

Don’t miss all the #Ekstraklasa action on #beINSPORTS! 📺

Q: You joined Real Madrid's academy when you were only 12 years old. When did you realize you were playing for the biggest club in the world?

Peter Federico: At that age, you don't really think about it. You're just enjoying football every day. As you grow older, though, you start to understand what Real Madrid truly represents. I come from a very humble family with six siblings, so football was always my opportunity. Day by day, I kept working, and eventually, I had the chance to make my first-team debut for the biggest club in the world.

Q: December 22, 2021. You're sitting on the bench next to Carlo Ancelotti, surrounded by world-class players, and suddenly he tells you you're going in. What was going through your mind?

Peter Federico: Honestly, you don't have much time to think. We were leading 2-1, and there were only a few minutes left. I just wanted to go out there, enjoy the moment and help the team. I knew I was playing alongside some of the best players in football, but once you're on the pitch, you have to focus on the game.

That night, though, I couldn't sleep. It took me hours to realize what had happened. It was probably the most beautiful moment of my career.

Q: You replaced Eden Hazard that night. Do you remember speaking to him before entering the pitch?

Peter Federico: Not really. Eden Hazard came off on the other side of the field, so we didn't really have a chance to talk. My only thought was to give everything I had. I wanted to defend, attack and simply be myself. In the end, we won the match, and that's what mattered most.

Q: What surprised you the most during your first training sessions with Real Madrid's first team?

Peter Federico: The speed. Not just physically, but mentally. Everything happens so much faster. The quality is incredible, but what impressed me most was how quickly everyone thinks. That's why they're there. Nobody reaches Real Madrid without extraordinary ability.

At first, you're a little nervous. Suddenly, you're passing the ball to Luka Modrić or training alongside Karim Benzema. These are players you've watched on television for years. It's a completely different world.

Q: You trained regularly with Karim Benzema. What made him so special?

Peter Federico: His football intelligence. The way he moved, the way he received the ball, his first touch, his positioning... everything looked effortless. He understood the game at an exceptional level and, of course, he was a complete finisher.

Q: And what did you learn from Vinícius Júnior?

Peter Federico: To enjoy football every single day. Vinícius Júnior is always smiling. It doesn't matter whether you're a first-team player, a Castilla player or someone from the academy—he treats everyone the same. He's a great person.

On the pitch, I admired his courage. He never hesitates to take on defenders or try something difficult. That's something I learned from him. Today, he's one of the best players in the world for a reason.

Q: Many people say Toni Kroos almost never lost the ball in training. Is that really true?

Peter Federico: (Laughs) Yes, it is. I even have his Real Madrid shirt. He was probably the player who impressed me the most.

Q: You worked under Carlo Ancelotti, Raúl, José Bordalás and Rubén Baraja. What did each of them teach you?

Peter Federico: Every coach leaves something with you. Carlo Ancelotti is incredibly calm. He gives players confidence and knows exactly how to manage a dressing room full of stars. Just being around him was a privilege.

Raúl was my coach at Castilla, and he played a huge role in my development. He understands young players because he was in our position once. He always demanded the best from us, but he also knew when to encourage you.

José Bordalás is completely different. He's intense, very demanding and obsessed with every detail. He taught me the importance of competing for every ball and never switching off during a match.

Rubén Baraja also helped me a lot. Every manager has a different philosophy, and I think learning from all of them has made me a more complete player.

Q: Carlo Ancelotti has worked with some of the greatest players in football history. What was he like on a personal level?

Peter Federico: Very approachable. That's probably what surprised me the most. You expect someone with his résumé to be distant, but he's exactly the opposite. He speaks to everyone, jokes with the players and creates a great atmosphere.

At the same time, everyone respects him because of everything he's achieved. When he speaks, you listen.

Q: You're still only 23, but you've already experienced life at Real Madrid, played in La Liga and represented the Dominican Republic at the Olympic Games. Looking back, which moment changed your career the most?

Peter Federico: My debut for Real Madrid.

Without a doubt.

It's the moment every kid dreams about when they join the academy. Everything I'd worked for since I was 12 years old came together that night. It gave me confidence and showed me that I belonged at that level.

Q: You've also become one of the faces of Dominican football. What does representing your country mean to you?

Peter Federico: It's a huge honour. Every international call-up is special because you're representing an entire country, not just yourself.

Playing at the Olympic Games was something I'll never forget. Those experiences help you grow, not only as a footballer but also as a person. Whenever I wear the Dominican Republic shirt, I want to make people proud.

Q: Many people were surprised when you chose Poland for the next step in your career. Why Górnik Zabrze?

Peter Federico: Because I saw a clear project.

Of course, leaving Spain wasn't an easy decision. It's your comfort zone. But sometimes, if you want to keep growing, you have to challenge yourself.

Everyone at Górnik Zabrze—from the sporting director to the coaching staff—showed how much they wanted me. That confidence meant a lot. I felt this was the right place to continue developing.

Q: What's been your first impression of Poland and the Ekstraklasa?

Peter Federico: Very positive.

The football is intense and physical, which is different from Spain, but I like that challenge. The club has welcomed me incredibly well, and my teammates have made the adaptation much easier.

I'm still learning every day, but I already feel at home.

Q: What are your personal goals for this next chapter?

Peter Federico: The most important thing is to play consistently and help my team win.

I want to keep improving, become a better player and show everything I'm capable of. If I do that, I believe bigger opportunities will come naturally in the future.

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