Isco

Location: Málaga, Spain

Away from the madding crowd; the Madrid man keeps a house in his hometown of Málaga; a quite country away tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. (Image: Instagram)

Born in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain, he spent the majority of his development phase with Atlético Benamiel; in 2006 he moved to Valencia’s youth academy, and was called-up to Los Che’s first-team after a string impressive showings for the reserves. He made his debut for Valencia on 11 November 2010, scoring two goals in a 4-1 win over UD Logorońés in the Copa del Rey; two days later he made his La Liga vow in a 2-0 win over Getafe CF. In July 2011, Málaga CF activated the Spaniard’s buy-out clause and signed him on a six-year deal. Los Malaguistas would provide him with the perfect platform to showcase his immense talents; his artistry and skill were on full display, as he totalled 17 goals and 12 assists in 84 appearances; his goal against Real Madrid on 22 December 2012, led to an eventual 3-2 victory for Málaga, their first in 29 years over the Los Blancos. He was awarded the 2012 Golden Boy award for his performances, the world had been put on red alert. On 27 June 2013, Real Madrid splashed out €30 million for the midfielder’s services; on 18 August, he made his debut for the All Whites, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 win over Real Betis. Over 279 appearances, he would create an incredible body of work at Real Madrid, scoring 48 and assisting 52 goals; in addition to playing an important role in the club’s unprecedented dominance, as the Los Blancos lifted 4 UEFA Champions League crowns in 5 years between  2013-2018.