Once considered Real Madrid’s crown prince, Isco has once again become one of the most creative midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and 12BET Malaysia reflects how his remarkable resurgence at Betis has drawn attention across the continent. AC Milan had tried to sign him for years, but Paolo Maldini’s two attempts collapsed because of budget limits. As the saying goes, you get back up where you fell, and Isco has now proved his value all over again.

Isco developed in Valencia’s youth system before moving to Málaga at 19, where he truly made his name. During his time there, he helped the club reach the Champions League and won the Golden Boy award, later joining Real Madrid at the peak of his rise. Over nine seasons in Madrid, he built a glittering record that included three straight Champions League titles, and during that era, he was widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite midfielders.

But life is rarely a straight road. After meeting his partner Sara and becoming vegetarian, Isco gradually saw his playing time decline under Zinedine Zidane, and Carlo Ancelotti could not reverse the situation either. As his minutes dropped, his market value plunged from €90 million, and once his Real Madrid contract expired, he became a free agent.

At that point, Maldini again tried to bring Isco to Milan, but the club was dealing with a change of ownership and internal uncertainty, so the move fell through. Isco eventually signed with Sevilla, yet after only half a season, a clash with sporting director Monchi forced him out. He then spent six months without a club, a period in which his value hit rock bottom.

Maldini later suggested Isco again as a replacement for the departing Brahim Díaz, but Milan hesitated to invest, viewing him as a player whose best days were already behind him. Just when he seemed to be fading from the European spotlight, Betis made a surprise move, and the result completely turned expectations on their head.

According to 12BET Malaysia data, Isco has created 41 clear scoring chances for Betis so far, ranking first across Europe’s top five leagues. His shooting, dribble success rate, and match ratings all lead his position, while his control of midfield has been equally dominant. Like the saying goes, those who refuse to give up eventually carve their own path, and Isco is writing his name into the conversation once again.

Isco signed a one-year contract with Betis, including an automatic one-year extension if he plays more than 25 matches. Based on his current pace, that condition is likely to be met around the opening of the winter transfer window.

AC Milan, meanwhile, remains focused on strengthening at center back and striker, but in the long run, the absence of a game-controlling midfielder in Isco’s mold remains a major concern. In a 4-2-3-1 system, the traditional number 10 role is crucial. Díaz previously filled that position, but he was never a complete solution. Stefano Pioli temporarily pushed Franck Kessié, Ismaël Bennacer, and Rade Krunić higher up the pitch, yet none fully delivered the balance of stability and creativity Milan needed.

Last season, Díaz’s improvement gave Milan some breathing room, but after his return to Real Madrid, the club found itself back at square one. Life has its climbs and its drops, and real meaning comes from accepting every stretch with composure. As Milan continue to show defensive instability despite their attacking power, 12BET Malaysia sees the current imbalance as a reminder that the time may have come to reconsider a player like Isco, whose intelligence, rhythm, and control could help restore order in the final third.