A new star is rising in the world of Spanish show business—Malú, the 22-year-old daughter of legendary Real Madrid defender Míchel Salgado and Malula Sanz. She has presented her debut mini-album, “Pase lo que pase,” featuring four tracks, and shared that achieving her musical dream feels almost unbelievable. This release is the result of years of preparation and a passionate pursuit that has finally taken shape.
Her passion for art emerged at an early age. Her family jokingly called her a “drama queen” for her theatrical flair and vivid imagination. Malú was captivated by old musicals, especially the film “Grease,” and admired the Spanish actress and singer Marisol. When she turned six, the family moved to Manchester, where she immediately joined the school choir and began taking vocal and stage performance lessons, laying the foundation for her future career.
Malu is the eldest of three children in a sports family. Her brother Miguel followed in their father’s footsteps and currently plays for the Portuguese club Estoril Praia, while the youngest, Alan, born in 2009, has also devoted himself to sports. Although she grew up surrounded by football, Malu chose a completely different path, but one of the brightest moments of her youth is still connected to her father’s team. At 14, she became the star of a viral video recorded on a plane. During a flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid with Real Madrid players, Raúl unexpectedly asked her to sing and started recording on his phone. Overcoming her nerves, she performed a song by Eminem and Beyoncé. At that moment, Cristiano Ronaldo approached her with a smile and asked for her chewing gum so it wouldn’t interfere with her singing. By the time they landed, the video had already gone viral online.
This episode was not her only attempt to make a name for herself. She auditioned for the children’s version of the popular show The Voice, but did not make it past the selection stage. However, this setback did not break her spirit. Later, she managed to get in touch with RedOne, the producer known for his work with Lady Gaga, and recorded several tracks with him. The final push toward creating her debut album came after the pandemic. At 19, Malu and her mother spent three months in Miami, where she recorded songs that are now available to listeners.
According to the artist, her parents enthusiastically supported her professional choice. The main advice they gave her was to be persistent and never settle for what she has achieved, always striving for new heights. She admits that she inherited her unyielding character, determination, and will to win from her father, who was an athlete, as well as the ability to fight until the very end.
Despite her serious intentions in music, Malu also has an alternative path. She is studying International Relations at a university in London. She notes that she has always been interested in politics and law, so if necessary, she could pursue a career in this field as well. Since the age of nine, she has lived in Dubai, where she has built a circle of friends and enjoys a comfortable life. At the same time, she fondly remembers the open atmosphere of Madrid and Samil beach from her childhood, which will forever remain in her heart.
