Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Isco

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2025

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. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger. Currently, he plays for and captains Real Betis in La Liga and also represents the Spain national team. Isco is known for his dribbling skills, close control, and creative playmaking abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: U17 World Cup

In 2009, Isco appeared with Spain's U17 in the World Cup, where the team finished third.

2009: Valencia's youth system

In 2009, Isco spent the season with Valencia's reserve team in Segunda División B.

November 2010: First team debut for Valencia

In November 2010, Isco debuted for Valencia's first team against Logroñés in the Copa del Rey, scoring two goals.

July 2011: Signing 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 match against Racing de Santander.

2011: Isco 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.

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 did not play.

September 2012: Champions League debut with Málaga

In September 2012, Isco debuted in the Champions League with Málaga, scoring twice against Zenit and being named Man of the Match.

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 made his debut with Spain's main squad in a match against Uruguay.

June 2013: Transfer to Real Madrid confirmed

In June 2013, Isco confirmed offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City. Real Madrid then confirmed an agreement, and Isco signed a five-year contract with the club.

June 2013: Move to Real Madrid

In June 2013, Isco moved to Real Madrid for €65 million after successful seasons at Málaga.

August 2013: Official debut for Real Madrid

In August 2013, Isco made his official debut for Real Madrid, scoring the winning goal in a match against Real Betis.

2013: Senior international debut

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

November 2014: First international goal

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

December 2014: Goal against Almería

In December 2014, Isco scored the first goal in a 4-1 win against Almería.

2016: UEFA 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

On August 8, 2017, Isco scored in the UEFA Super Cup, contributing to Real Madrid's victory against Manchester United and earning the man of the match award.

September 2017: Contract Extension with Real Madrid

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

March 2018: First hat-trick for Spain

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

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 with Spain.

2020: Omitted from Spain's Euro 2020 squad

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

May 2021: Omitted from Spain's Euro 2020 squad

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

May 2022: Departure Announcement

On May 30, 2022, Isco confirmed on social media that he was leaving the club after nine years.

June 2022: End of Real Madrid contract

Isco's contract with Real Madrid ended in June 2022 after playing with the club for nine years.

August 2022: Agreement with Sevilla

In August 2022, Sevilla announced an agreement in principle for the signing of Isco to a two-year contract.

December 2022: Contract termination with Sevilla

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

January 2023: Failed transfer to Union Berlin

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

July 2023: Joining Real Betis

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

August 2023: Debut and first goal for Betis

In August 2023, Isco played his first game for Betis against Villarreal and later scored his first goal against Athletic Bilbao, ending a year-long scoring drought.

December 2023: Contract extension with Betis

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

2024: Real Betis led by Isco to UEFA Europa Conference League Final

In the 2024 season, Isco led Real Betis to the UEFA Europa Conference League Final, the club’s first-ever European final.

May 2025: Return to Spain's squad

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

May 28, 2025: UEFA Europa Conference League Player of the Season

On May 28, 2025, Isco assisted a goal in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final, and was named the UEFA Europa Conference League Player of the Season: 2024–25, despite Betis losing to Chelsea F.C