Isco’s fine gesture to Larrubia after Málaga’s promotion | OneFootball

Isco has publicly saluted David Larrubia after Málaga CF sealed promotion, a moment that underlines empathy overcoming a painful past. According to Superdeporte, the Real Betis midfielder named the Málaga youngster in an Instagram story that thrilled home supporters.

Their story began at the Trofeo Costa del Sol on nine August 2025 at La Rosaleda, Málaga against Real Betis. In a freak challenge Larrubia caught Isco, and tests later revealed a fractured fibula and intra-articular cartilage damage in the right ankle that kept him out for almost four months.

Larrubia then faced a wave of abuse online for an accident with no malice. Isco intervened publicly to play down the incident, stressing it was a simple passage of play and refusing to feed any row.

Months on, the connection strengthened. Isco sent Larrubia a Real Betis shirt with a warm message, and he closely followed Málaga’s campaign, expressing a wish to see his hometown club back in the top flight.

That the injured player became the loudest protector of the Málaga midfielder speaks volumes about Isco’s standing. His bond with Málaga runs deep, from leaving Valencia as a 17-year-old after limited minutes under Unai Emery to a six million euro move that preceded Golden Boy honours and a Champions League quarter-final run at La Rosaleda.

Source: Superdeporte