Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Isco

How Isco built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez, known as Isco, is a Spanish professional footballer currently playing for Real Betis in La Liga. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger. He has also represented the Spain national team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: FIFA U17 World Cup

In 2009, Isco appeared with Spain's U17 team in the FIFA World Cup, scoring three times as the nation finished third.

2009: Joins Valencia's Youth System

In 2009, Isco was a product of Valencia's youth system.

November 2010: First Team Debut for Valencia

In November 2010, Isco debuted with Valencia's first team against Logroñés in the Copa del Rey, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.

July 2011: Signs with Málaga

In July 2011, Isco signed a five-year contract with Málaga after the club activated his buy-out clause.

November 2011: First Goal for Málaga

In November 2011, Isco scored his first goal for Málaga in a 3–1 win against Racing de Santander.

2011: Joins Málaga

In 2011, Isco joined Málaga after playing for Valencia's reserve team.

2011: U-20 World Cup

In 2011, Isco represented Spain in the U-20 World Cup held in Colombia, scoring one goal as they exited in the quarter-finals.

February 2012: Called to Spain Under-23 Team

In February 2012, Isco was called to the Spain under-23 team for a friendly against Egypt, but he did not play.

September 2012: Champions League Debut with Málaga

On September 18, 2012, Isco netted twice in Málaga's first Champions League game against Zenit, earning Man of the Match honors.

2012: 2012 Olympics

In 2012, Isco represented Spain at the Olympics.

January 2013: New Contract with Málaga

In January 2013, Isco signed a new contract with Málaga, setting his new buyout clause at €35 million.

February 2013: Debut with Spain's Main Squad

In February 2013, Isco debuted with the main squad, playing the last 30 minutes in a 3–1 win over Uruguay in Doha, Qatar.

June 2013: Moves to Real Madrid

In June 2013, Isco moved to Real Madrid for €65 million.

June 2013: Offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City

In June 2013, Isco received offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City and said he would make a final decision after the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final.

August 2013: Official Debut for Real Madrid

In August 2013, Isco made his official debut for Real Madrid, recording an assist and scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 win over Real Betis.

2013: Senior International Debut

In 2013, Isco made his senior international debut for Spain.

November 2014: First International Goal for Spain

In November 2014, Isco scored his first international goal for Spain in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Belarus.

December 2014: Scores against Almería and in FIFA Club World Cup

In December 2014, Isco scored in a 4-1 win against Almería and also scored in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Cruz Azul.

2016: Euro 2016 Qualifying Match

In November 2014, Isco scored his first international goal for Spain in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Belarus.

August 2017: UEFA Super Cup Goal

In August 2017, Isco scored a goal in the UEFA Super Cup, contributing to Real Madrid's victory against Manchester United and earning the man of the match award.

September 2017: New Deal with Real Madrid

In September 2017, Isco signed a new deal with Real Madrid, extending his stay until June 2022.

March 2018: First Hat-Trick for Spain

In March 2018, Isco scored his first hat-trick for Spain against Argentina in a friendly match.

May 2018: Named in Spain's World Cup Squad

In May 2018, Isco was named in Spain's final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Isco participated in the FIFA World Cup.

2020: Omitted from Spain's Euro 2020 Squad

In May 2021, Isco was omitted from Spain's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.

May 2021: Omitted from Spain's Euro 2020 Squad

In May 2021, Isco was omitted from Spain's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.

May 2022: Departure Announcement

On May 30, 2022, Isco confirmed on social media that he would be leaving Real Madrid after nine years with the club.

June 2022: End of Contract with Real Madrid

In June 2022, Isco's contract with Real Madrid expired after nine years.

August 2022: Agreement with Sevilla

On August 7, 2022, Sevilla announced an agreement in principle to sign Isco on a two-year contract.

December 2022: Contract Termination with Sevilla

In December 2022, Isco and Sevilla agreed to terminate their contract, with coach Jorge Sampaoli stating Isco did not meet the club's expectations.

January 2023: Failed Transfer to Union Berlin

In January 2023, Isco's deal to sign with Union Berlin collapsed despite passing medical tests, due to disagreements over contract terms.

July 2023: Joins Real Betis

On July 26, 2023, Isco joined Real Betis on a one-year deal.

August 2023: Debut and First Goal for Betis

In August 2023, Isco debuted for Betis against Villarreal and later scored his first goal for the club against Athletic Bilbao, ending a year-long scoring drought, although Betis lost 4-2.

December 2023: Contract Extension with Betis

In December 2023, Isco extended his contract with Betis until June 2027.

May 2025: Recalled to Spain's Squad

On May 26, 2025, Isco was recalled to the squad by manager Luis de la Fuente for the Nations League Finals against France, marking his return after a six-year absence.