This is the dramatic moment former Real Madrid star Sergio Arribas leaps down a chute to save a couple from drowning.

Arribas was relaxing at the Indian Ocean paradise island resort in the Maldives when he heard frantic cries for help coming from the sea on June 16.

Video footage of the rescue shows Arribas and his girlfriend, Anna Martin as they heard a woman clinging to a rubber ring shouting: 'Help! Help! Help us!'

Without a moment's hesitation, Arribas, 22, clambered to the top of a sea slide and hurtled down into the water.

After saving the woman, Arribas turned to her swimming partner as other holidaymakers and staff threw in a lifebelt.

After the rescue, Arribas and Ana brought the couple, who had been swept away by tidal currents, ashore to safety.

The midfielder, who now plays in Spain's top tier for Almeria, was hailed a hero.

Arribas began his career at PerezGaldos in 2007 and joined Leganes in 2010.

His talent led him to Real Madrid in 2012, where he rose through the youth ranks, being coached by the legendary Raul Gonzalez in the 2019-2020 season.

Arribas played for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2020-2021 season and made his debut for the first team at 18 years old, replacing Vinicius Junior 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 transferred to Almeria in August last year.