Spanish · Benalmádena, Spain · Born 21 April 1992Real Madrid's most technically gifted midfielder — three Champions Leagues and the finest close control of his generation.
Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez was born in Benalmádena, Spain in 1992. Málaga's development produced a player Real Madrid paid £27 million for in 2013. His nine Real Madrid seasons produced three Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. He won the under-21 European Championship in 2013. His close control — the ability to navigate through defenders in tightest spaces with the ball seemingly attached to his foot — was described by teammates as the finest individual skill they had played alongside. He was the player opponents most feared in one-on-one situations. His performances in the knockout stages of the Champions League across 2016-18 — particularly as a substitute who changed games — were consistently among the finest in the competition. Injuries and competition for places limited his appearances in his later Madrid years. He was used sparingly by Spain's national team despite his quality. He is the quintessential technically brilliant player whose career was shaped as much by competition for places as by his own ability.
Key player in Real Madrid's three consecutive Champions League victories
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling, vision and ball control
Lasting Impact
Gifted playmaker who combined flair with success at club and international level
Career Honours
- Champions League 3x (2016,2017,2018)
- La Liga 3x
- Euro (2012 U21)
- World Cup (2018 finalist)
- FIFA Club World Cup 2016
- FIFA Club World Cup 2017
- FIFA Club World Cup 2018
- UEFA Nations League 2023
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia B | 2009–2011 | — | 52 | 16 |
| Valencia | 2010–2011 | — | 4 | 0 |
| Málaga | 2011–2013 | £27m | 69 | 14 |
| Real Madrid | 2013–2022 | £27m | 246 | 37 |
| Sevilla | 2022–2022 | — | 12 | 0 |
| Betis | 2023–Present | — | 59 | 18 |
 Spain | — | — | 44 | 13 |
Spanish Athletes