Isco

Isco came through Valencia's academy but never settled there, managing only four matches before Málaga paid €6 million for him in 2011. That move made his name: 69 appearances, 14 goals, and both the Golden Boy and La Liga's Breakthrough Player award for 2011–12.

Real Madrid moved for him in 2013. He made 246 appearances and scored 37 goals, but the trophies say more: five Champions League titles, three La Liga championships, four Club World Cups, three Super Cups, three Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey. He was named Man of the Match in the 2017 Champions League final, and in 2013 he won the Trofeo Bravo. He was shortlisted for the UEFA Team of the Year in 2017.

For Spain, Isco won 39 caps and scored 12 goals, and he was part of the squad at the 2018 World Cup, scoring against Morocco. He missed out on selection for three European Championships — 2016, 2020 and 2024.

His departure from Real Madrid in 2022 led to a brief and difficult spell at Sevilla, where a free transfer produced just 12 appearances before the two sides agreed to terminate his contract that December. Real Betis gave him a fresh start in July 2023, signing him initially for a single season. Betis extended his contract through to 2027.