Álvaro Rubio


Álvaro Rubio Robles is a Spanish retired professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
He spent most of his career with Valladolid, appearing in 310 games all competitions comprised. In La Liga he also represented Albacete, for a total of 204 matches in that competition during eight seasons.

Club career

Early years

Born in Logroño, La Rioja, Rubio began his professional career with Real Zaragoza, but never made it past the B-team. In January 2000, he moved to Albacete Balompié – first on loan – where, after a slow start, he became a very important unit for the Castile-La Mancha side, in the second division.
After 25 matches in the 2002–03 season, as Albacete returned to La Liga after a seven-year absence, Rubio made his top flight debut on 26 October 2003 in a 2–3 away loss against Real Betis where he came on as a 27th-minute substitute. He amassed a further 50 matches until June 2005, when the club was relegated back.

Valladolid

For the 2006–07 campaign, Rubio signed with Real Valladolid, being promoted to the top level in his first year and rarely missing a game subsequently. Mainly a defensive-minded player, he scored his first goals as a professional in 2007–08, the first coming on 28 October 2007 in a 2–2 draw at CA Osasuna.
Due to injuries, Rubio could only appear in 16 league matches in 2009–10, and Valladolid dropped down to division two for the first time in three years. Although still afflicted by physical problems, he helped to another promotion in 2012, contributing to the feat with 20 starts and going on to be a regular in the following two top flight campaigns; he continued to be heavily played as the club returned to the second tier.

Abroad

On 8 August 2016, 37-year-old Rubio moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing for I-League champions Bengaluru FC on a four-month deal. On 30 November, after five appearances in the AFC Cup to help his team reach the final, he left.

International career

Rubio was part of the Spanish under-20 squad at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship that also included the likes of Iker Casillas and Xavi. He featured in the 3–1 group stage win against Honduras, as the tournament in Nigeria ended in conquest.
Rubio found the net in his only appearance for the under-21 team, a 2–1 home success over Israel for the 2000 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Honours

Club

Valladolid
;Spain U20