Málaga CF forward Chupe has received his first call-up to the Spain U21 national team. National coach David Gordo has selected the striker to replace Carlos Espí, who was promoted to the senior squad. This call-up caps two years of a prolific rise for the 22-year-old, who has become the club's top scorer in a single season and a symbol of its academy.
The summons comes at a difficult time for the first team, which sits 20th in La Liga with just three points from seven games. A run of five matches without a win contrasts sharply with Chupe's individual brilliance. His ascent from Atlético Malagueño in the Tercera Federación to the international stage has been rapid. In the 2024/25 season he scored 24 goals for the B team and, after reappearing under Sergio Pellicer on 11 January 2025, he netted three key goals in the second half of the campaign to help the senior side avoid relegation.
International recognition for the academy
Chupe now joins a distinguished list of players developed at La Rosaleda who have worn the Spain shirt. Roberto Fernández, now at Espanyol, and Rafita, who made his U21 debut in a win over San Marino, are recent examples. Luis de la Fuente, another homegrown product, also represented ‘La Rojita’ during his playing days. This continuity shows the health of Málaga's youth system, which continues to produce top-level talent despite the first team's sporting struggles. Fans can track the progress of all homegrown players on the club's squad page.
Last season was historic for the forward. He not only became the first player under 22 to score 25 goals in a single LaLiga Hypermotion season in 57 years, but also scored the opening goal in the promotion final in Almería. In total, his 54 goals were decisive in securing two promotions. His performances earned him a contract extension until 2029, one year longer than his original deal, securing his future at the club. “From 20 September 2024 to 2 October 2026, 742 days have passed,” noted Beatriz Tocón, a period the player will forever remember, spanning from his first-team debut at Nuevo Los Cármenes to this international milestone.
Now, with Málaga CF mired in a battle to turn their fortunes around in the top flight, their next fixture is at home to Espanyol on 9 October, Chupe's success provides a beacon of hope. The team desperately needs points, and their star striker's example of overcoming the odds can serve as inspiration. Chupe has the chance to make his U21 debut and aim for a regular place in upcoming qualifiers. His journey from the Tercera Federación to the national team is complete.
Background and full detail: Sport.es
