A FORMER Real Madrid star became a hero as he rescued a couple from drowning while on holiday.
Sergio Arribas was relaxing in the Maldives with his girlfriend when he heard the frantic cries for help coming from the sea.
Video footage of the rescue shows Arribas and Anna as they heard a woman shouting “help, help, help” while holding onto a rubber ring.
The couple had been swept away by tidal currents.
Arribas, 22, instantly climbed to the top of a sea slide and hurtled down into the water to help.
After saving the woman he then turned his attention to her swimming partner.
Other holidaymakers and staff threw a lifebelt into the water.
After the rescue, Arribas and Anna brought the couple ashore.
The video went viral on social media with the midfielder quickly hailed as a hero.
One fan posted: “Bravo Sergio! A true hero.”
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A second wrote: “These things are what should go viral. Great Sergio.”
A third commented: “Fair play Arribas.”
A fourth said: “Wow. God bless him.”
Another added: “Wow that’s a national hero right there, God bless his heart.”
Arribas began his career at Perez Galdos in 2007 and joined Leganes in 2010.
His talent led him to Real Madrid in 2012, where he rose through the youth ranks.
Arribas played for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2020-2021 season and made his debut for the first team at 18 years old in September 2020.
In the same year, he also debuted in the Uefa Champions League.
During his time at Real Madrid, Arribas played in 14 matches.
He left the club last year and joined Almeria however he could not help the club avoid relegation from LaLiga.
