Seven players from Atlético Malagueño ; goalkeeper Andrés Céspedes and outfield players Recio, Arriaza, Mateo, Salguero, Rubén Sánchez, and Juanma Hernández; four from Juvenil ‘A’; goalkeeper Jorge Ruiz, Seidu, Houssam, and Sarria; plus Otu and goalkeeper Álex Mateos, with a Málaga ‘C’ federation licence during the 2024/25 season, are the protagonists of these 13 contract renewals.
A ’renewed’ Malagueño
The team led by Funes and Bravo will compete next season in the Segunda Federación and already boasts a solid core of players who will continue with Atlético Malagueño, Málaga CF’s reserve team.
In goal, Andrés Céspedes (Cartagena, 2004) has had an outstanding second season at the Club after arriving two years ago from Valencia CF’s Juvenil ‘A’ squad. A regular in first-team training sessions, he featured in 32 of the 34 Group IX matches in the Tercera Federación - all as a starter - proving to be a key figure between the posts in Atlético Malagueño’s promotion to the 2024/25 Segunda Federación.
One of Atlético Malagueño’s captains is Ángel Recio (Málaga, 2003). A right-footed, no-nonsense central defender, he has delivered consistent performances since making his debut in the 2021/22 season, becoming a key figure in the backline. This season, he played in 26 league matches in the Tercera Federación - all as a starter - and toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, he became a regular participant in Málaga CF's first-team training sessions and was even included in a few matchday squads.
Also serving as captain and a key leader in the dressing room is Pablo Arriaza (Málaga, 2003). A defender turned midfielder, his work ethic and drive to improve each day make him a role model for his teammates. Since the 2022/23 season, he has been registered with Atlético Malagueño, and during the recently concluded 2024/25 campaign, he made significant strides in his performance, particularly in goal scoring: netting seven goals in 31 appearances (28 as a starter) in Group IX of the Tercera Federación.
In defence, Ángel Mateo (Barcelona, 2003) joined Atlético Malagueño in the summer of 2022 from Villarreal CF’s Juvenil ‘A’ team. Now in his third year under Funes’ management, he featured in 28 league matches (17 as a starter), scoring one goal and showcasing his versatility by playing both as a right-back and as a central defender.
Ismael Salguero (Sevilla, 2002) has been another key figure for Atlético Malagueño during the 2024/25 season. A product of Sevilla FC’s youth academy and arriving from Córdoba CF’s reserve team, his individual talent in the attacking midfield role was evident throughout his first season as a Málaga player. He featured in 32 matches (25 as a starter), scored one goal, and provided several decisive assists, making himself an indispensable part of the squad.
On the attack, Rubén Sánchez (Málaga, 2004) completed his second season with Atlético Malagueño in 2024/25. The young and skilful winger played in 30 league matches, starting 21 of them, and scored five goals. His strong performances were rewarded with multiple training call-ups to the first team under the guidance of Sergio Pellicer.
Juanma Hernández (Málaga, 2002) joined Atlético Malagueño during the last winter transfer window. In the second half of the 2024/25 season, the forward showcased a powerful left foot, scoring six goals in 15 matches (12 as a starter), all of superb quality. His immediate goal-scoring impact was the best response to Chupe’s promotion to the first team.
More renewals
Málaga CF’s Juvenil ‘A’ team finished in 3rd place in Group 4 of the División de Honor Juvenil 2024/25. The team’s, and the group’s, top scorer was Christian Sarria (Marbella, Málaga, 2006), a natural striker who scored 21 goals in 30 league matches, showcasing limitless potential.
Under the guidance of Álex Rodríguez Casanova, Houssam Lakhyar (Morocco, 2006), a skilful right winger, made significant progress, appearing in 20 league matches during the 2024/25 season.
Seidu Abubakar (Accra, Ghana, 2006), an African-origin player, featured regularly as the left-back for the Málaga defence, playing a total of 24 league matches in the completed 2024/25 campaign.
Juvenil goalkeeper Jorge Ruiz (Málaga, 2006) shared goalkeeping duties with Lucas Jiménez, who has regularly trained with the first team during the 2024/25 season. Ruiz will join Céspedes in goal as Atlético Malagueño begins its new chapter in the Segunda Federación.
Álex Mateos (Vélez-Málaga, Málaga, 2005), a goalkeeper who was registered with Málaga CF ‘C’ this season, stood out in Juvenil ‘A’ during the 2023/24 campaign and has successfully recovered from a long-term injury. He will be teammates with Céspedes and Jorge Ruiz in the 2025/26 season.
In addition, Joseph Otunenche ‘Otu’ (Nigeria, 2005) played during the 2024/25 season with Málaga CF ‘C’, finishing the season at Moralo in Extremadura in the Tercera Federación. A physically strong and very versatile player, he can operate both as a central defender and as a box-to-box midfielder.
With these renewals, Málaga CF strengthens its commitment to the sustained growth of its sporting project, solidifying a core group of players in Atlético Malagueño who embody the club’s values, effort, and identity at every level.
