Alexis Ruano Delgado

Málaga and Getafe

Born in Málaga, Alexis joined Getafe CF from Málaga CF for 2006–07; he had spent three years at the Andalusia club, alternating between the first team and the second. He first appeared for the main squad of the latter on 15 February 2004, playing eight minutes in a 5–2 home win over RCD Espanyol. Alexis scored the winning goal for Getafe against Real Madrid, in a 1–0 home victory on 14 October 2006. He was part of the league's best defence that season (only 33 goals in 38 games) under Bernd Schuster.

Valencia

In April 2007, Valencia signed Alexis to a €6.5 million deal at the Mestalla Stadium that ran until 2013, beating off competition from Real Madrid. After spending most of the campaign sidelined with a serious knee injury, he helped the team to win the Copa del Rey, netting the second goal in a 3–1 victory over his former employers Getafe in the final after Juan Mata had scored the first. Alexis, who started the season as Raúl Albiol's centre-back partner, scored in a 2–2 draw at UD Almería on 14 September 2008, but also spent two months in the sidelines due to a pubalgia ailment. He played 24 matches the following campaign, helping the Che to a third place in La Liga and former side Málaga avoid relegation as he headed home in the last-minute of the home fixture against CD Tenerife, which dropped down a level instead with that 1–0 loss.

Sevilla and Getafe return

On 24 August 2010, Alexis joined Sevilla FC for €5 million,…

Getafe

Copa del Rey runner-up: 2006–07 Valencia

Copa del Rey: 2007–08 Beşiktaş

Süper Lig: 2015–16 Alavés

Copa del Rey runner-up: 2016–17 Spain

UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2004 FIFA U-20 World Cup runner-up: 2003 Individual

La Liga Breakthrough Player: 2006–07