Meet Aaron Ochoa - Ireland's latest rising star in Spain

The 17-year-old recently signed a new deal until 2027 with Malaga

Aaron Ochoa Moloney, a name reflective of his split identity. Born in Marbella in Spain to an Irish mother and a Spanish father, the teenager has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, appearing for both their Under-16 and Under-17 sides.

He joined Malaga at the age of nine and has worked his way up the ranks. He caught the eye this season with the B team and has been drafted into the first team for the side who now find themselves languishing in fourth in the third-tier Primera Federacion, a far cry away from the Champions League nights they once enjoyed only a decade ago.

Backed by investment from Qatar, they have hopes of once again gracing the top-flight, and Ochoa may have a big part to play in that.

In December 2023, Ochoa at 16 years, 7 months and 17 days old came on for the injured Juan Hernandez for Malaga against CD Eldense in a Copa Del Rey game to become their second youngest ever player behind Fabrice Olinga.

That appearance got fans talking.