Carlos Ruiz Rubio, known as 'Chupe', is the standout sensation at Málaga CF after being pivotal in their promotion to La Liga. The 22-year-old forward from Córdoba scored 25 goals to end an eight-year wait for top-flight football and has already opened his account in the premier division. The information was originally reported by El Mundo Deportes.
The team now faces its next fixture at home against Athletic Club on November 29th, as detailed on our fixtures page. This match will be a new test for a side looking to establish itself. The squad, which can be viewed in our squad section, is relying on the continuity of their young scorer.
Who is Carlos Ruiz 'Chupe'?
Carlos Ruiz Rubio was born in Córdoba and took his first football steps with his local club Sneca. At age 11 in 2016, he joined Sevilla's youth academy. His arrival at Málaga CF, however, was not straightforward. In 2023, the player became embroiled in a legal dispute with the club over a unilateral contract renewal that his camp deemed abusive. Málaga CF won the lawsuit, a twist that proved decisive.
After that, 'Chupe' responded with goals. He scored 24 times for the reserve team and helped secure their promotion to the Segunda RFEF. That streak was the prelude to a historic campaign with the first team. His 25 goals were the engine behind Málaga's return to La Liga after eight long seasons.
Where does the nickname 'Chupe' come from?
The moniker he is known by has a very specific origin. It is inspired by Chilean striker 'Chupete' Suazo, who played for Zaragoza in the 2009/10 season. Ruiz was compared to the South American due to a physical resemblance, a likeness the young Cordoban decided to enhance. He shaved his head to look more like his idol and now wears the name 'Chupe' on the back of his shirt, a personal tribute that has become his trademark.
How has he started his La Liga career?
The step up to the elite has not intimidated the forward. In the first two matchdays of the league, Carlos Ruiz 'Chupe' has already managed to score a goal. It came against Deportivo at La Rosaleda, a team he seems to enjoy playing against. Interestingly, he has scored in all three of the Galician side's visits to the Málaga CF stadium. One of those occasions was a Monday that coincided with his birthday, a detail that adds to the story.
The player summed up his feeling after promotion with a blunt "Y menos mal". His current form suggests his adaptation is complete. Squad data and his progression are available in our stats section.
What does this mean for Málaga CF's future?
The emergence of 'Chupe' symbolizes an injection of youth and hope for a project looking to the future. His case shows how a local talent, after overcoming contractual hurdles, can become the hero a club needs. Málaga CF now has an attacking reference point built from within.
The immediate schedule, with the clash against Athletic Club as the next home objective, will test this new phase. The league table, which can be followed on standings, will begin to take shape. The continued goal-scoring form of Carlos Ruiz will undoubtedly be a key factor in the team achieving its objectives of survival and growth in La Liga.
