Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Arribas saves drowning couple from sea while on holiday, video wins hearts online
Former Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Arribas became an online sensation after saving a couple from drowning at sea while on holiday. The Spaniard is spending his summer holiday in the Maldives after a gruelling first year of senior football with Almeria.
La Fabrica graduate Arribas left the Santiago Bernabeu for Almeria before the start of the 2023-24 season as he failed to see a pathway to regular senior football at the club. He enjoyed a successful debut season with Almeria despite the side finishing 19th and getting relegated from La Liga.
Sergio Arribas was in a private pool with his partner in the Maldives when he heard cries for help from a couple who had been swimming in the open sea. The 22-year-old acted swiftly, making use of a nearby water slide to reach the couple, with his partner joining him. Equipped with a floating device, he managed to help the couple back to safety.
The midfielder is enjoying his vacation after his first full season of senior football, and his actions in the face of an impending disaster were praiseworthy. He will return to football with his Almeria side in the second division after they only managed three league wins throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Arribas scored nine goals and provided four assists in 34 league appearances for Almeria, making him one of their better players. He found the net in his first appearance against Real Madrid and also scored a brace on the final day of the campaign against Cadiz.
Sergio Arribas was at Real Madrid between 2012 and 2023, making his professional debut for the club in 2020 as a substitute for Vinicius Jr. The club managed to recoup a €6 million fee from his sale to Almeria, who he is contracted to until 2029.
Spanish youngster leaves Real Madrid after unimpressive stint
Spanish youngster Iker Bravo has left Real Madrid after the European champions decided against signing him permanently. He spent the last two seasons on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he mostly played with the Castilla and Juvenil A sides.
Signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, Bravo has failed to convince the Real Madrid management to activate their option to buy. The 19-year-old, once of Barcelona, will now return to the German club, where he will find himself behind Patrik Schick, Borja Iglesias and Victor Boniface.
Bravo will pursue a permanent exit from Bayer Leverkusen this summer after failing to break through at the club. He is said to be wanted by a host of clubs, including Torino and Udinese.