Francisco Javier "Javi" Montero Rubio (born 14 January 1999) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Segunda División club Málaga. Mainly a central defender, he can also play as a left-back.
Born in Seville, Andalusia, Montero joined Atlético Madrid's youth setup in 2014 at the age of 15, from hometown club AD Nervión. In 2018, after finishing his development, he was called up to the first team by manager Diego Simeone for the pre-season, playing with protective glasses due to an eye injury suffered back in 2017.
Montero made his senior debut with the reserves on 23 September 2018, starting in a 4âÂÂ2 Segunda División B away win against CDA Navalcarnero. He first appeared with the main squad on 30 October, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1âÂÂ0 away defeat of UE Sant Andreu in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey.
Montero's first UEFA Champions League match occurred on 6 November 2018, when he came on as a half-time substitute for injured José Giménez in a 2âÂÂ0 home victory over Borussia Dortmund in the group stage. He completed a trio of debuts four days later, when he started and was replaced by Gelson Martins early into the second half of an eventual 3âÂÂ2 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao also at the Metropolitano Stadium.
On 2 September 2019, Montero renewed his contract until 2024, and was immediately loaned to Deportivo de La Coruña for the season. He started in all his appearances but one during his spell in Galicia, but his side suffered relegation from Segunda División.
Montero joined Beà Âiktaà  J.K. on a season-long loan on 2 September 2020. One year later, he signed a permanent deal.
On 15 January 2023, Montero was loaned to German 2. Bundesliga club Hamburger SV until the end of the campaign. In August 2023, also on loan, he moved to F.C. Arouca of the Portuguese Primeira Liga; he was the fourth Spaniard to join the latter under new manager Daniel Ramos in a month, in a squad already with two other compatriots.
On 13 August 2024, the free agent Montero returned to Spain, on a two-year contract at second-tier Racing de Santander. He scored his only goal on 16 November, closing the 2âÂÂ0 home win over Burgos CF.
Montero left the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero by mutual agreement on 4 August 2025.
Hours after leaving Racing, Montero was announced at fellow second-division club Málaga CF on a one-year deal.
Montero won his only cap for Spain at under-21 level on 10 October 2019, featuring 17 minutes in a 1âÂÂ1 friendly draw with Germany held in Córdoba.
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