Football ace Niall, seven, signed up by Real Madrid

He is only seven, but already Niall Mason is set to follow in the golden-boot footsteps of David Beckham by joining football legends Real Madrid.

Niall – who first took to the pitch when just two months old – is leaving England to take his place at the famous Spanish club’s football school.

His mother, Mimosa, 35, and proud father, Russell, 44, from Brighton, will move to Spain to support their son as he bids to emulate his favourite player Ronaldo.

Mr Mason told The Sun: “It’s every father’s dream come true – I keep having to pinch myself. What more could a boy of that age want? It’s a tremendous opportunity with the most famous club in the world. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Niall’s father signed the youngster up to a two-week summer course at the Real school while working in Madrid.

Although the youngest pupil by three years, Niall finished the course sixth overall but was still invited to join by coach Jose Lesme.

And just like his Real Madrid heroes, including Becks and new signing Michael Owen, Niall had to pass a medical and sign a contract before taking up his place at the prestigious school.

After visiting the club, Niall admitted Ronaldo was the player he most wanted to be, saying: “Becks shook my hand and wished me well.

“But my favourite is the Brazilian Ronaldo because he has so much skill – I wouldn’t mind being like him one day.”

Niall will train twice a week for eight months at the Escuela Deportivo de Futbol Federation Madrid, starting on October 1. His schooling will continue at a local English school.

If successful, the future star, who scored a hat trick during his last game for Hove Rivervale Under 10s, will join Real’s full-time academy.

The family, including Niall’s sister Maya, three, will move to a flat close to the Bernabau.

Mr Mason said: “He’s a natural. At two months old I used to plonk him on the football pitch. He uses both feet and is pretty skilful – he can float a free kick like Beckham. And his ball control is fantastic.

“It will be fabulous if he makes it, but I just want him to be happy.”

And Mrs Mason said: “It is all a little overwhelming seeing my baby snapped up by Real Madrid, but you have to grab an opportunity like this.”