Isco Alarcón’s Journey: A Documentary and a Return to Football

This week, the Sevilla Film Festival will feature the documentary ‘In Silence: The Resilience of Isco Alarcón,’ directed by Sara Sálamo. The film provides a first-person account of the Betis captain’s recovery journey following a severe fibula fracture he sustained in May of last year, which necessitated two surgeries and prevented him from being included in Luis de la Fuente’s Euro 2020 squad. Following its premiere at the San Sebastián Film Festival a few weeks ago, this screening will serve as a precursor to its theatrical release on November 24.

The upcoming month promises to be particularly emotional for the talented Málaga footballer, not only due to the film’s release but also because of two significant events on his horizon. First, Isco is preparing to return to the pitch after working partially with the team for several days. If all goes well, he is expected to resume full training following the FIFA international break and will be called up to play in official matches for Betis once again.

It remains uncertain whether his return will occur during the match against Girona on Sunday, November 23, in the fifth round of the UEFA Europa League against Utrecht on Thursday, November 27, or during the upcoming derby match against Sevilla FC on Sunday, November 30. This derby is particularly special for Isco, who briefly played for Sevilla before joining Betis, and he is likely to make his return shortly after the announcement of his contract renewal with the club, where he has reignited his passion for football and emerged as a leader.

As the club’s sporting director, Manu Fajardo, indicated, discussions between Isco and Betis have been ongoing for some time, with a positive outlook from both parties. It is widely anticipated that an agreement to extend Isco’s contract for another year, until June 30, 2028, is nearing finalization within the club. This renewal underscores the significance that Betis places on the former Málaga and Real Madrid player, recognizing him as one of the best footballers to have graced the club, under the stewardship of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Having almost fully recovered from the new fibula fracture he suffered during a preseason friendly in early August, Isco is now poised for an unforgettable month. Transitioning from the red carpet and promotional events for his documentary, he will lace up his boots once again to return to the pitch. If all goes as planned, he will sign a contract extension with Betis before the derby, ensuring he remains tied to the club until June 30, 2028. With two and a half years ahead of him wearing the captain’s armband, Isco aims to make history, building on two European qualifications and a Conference League final from his first two seasons at the club. Now, the number ’22’ seeks even more.