La Liga is a fantastic football league that is loved by millions of fans around the world.
Over the years, we’ve seen some incredible players play in this league like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Michael Laudrup, and Luis Figo.
And now, we have a new set of players who are showcasing their talents in La Liga.
In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at the top 10 current football players in the Spanish League.
These players are incredibly talented and have been making waves in the world of football. So, let’s get started!
10. José María Giménez ( Atlético Madrid)
Uruguayan footballer José María Giménez de Vargas, born on January 20, 1995, serves as a central defender for Atlético Madrid in La Liga. Additionally, he leads the Uruguay national team as their captain.
On April 25, 2013, it was confirmed that Giménez had signed with Atlético Madrid for €900,000, joining the club in the pre-season of the 2013–14 season. His debut for Atleti and in La Liga took place on September 14 in a 4–2 home victory over UD Almería.
Giménez marked his first goal for the club on December 6, 2014, contributing to a 2–0 win against Elche CF. Notably, he scored a header against arch-rival Real Madrid in Atlético’s 2–0 victory in the Copa del Rey in January 2015.
A significant moment occurred on February 20, 2019, when Giménez scored the opening goal in a 2-0 home win against Italian champions Juventus, providing Atlético with an advantage in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Heading into the 2019–20 season, Giménez assumed the role of the team’s third captain, following Koke and Jan Oblak.
9. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedro González López, born on November 25, 2002, and widely recognized as Pedri, is a Spanish footballer specializing in midfield. He currently showcases his skills with Barcelona in La Liga and represents the Spain national team.
In September 2019, Barcelona secured Pedri’s transfer from Las Palmas for €5 million, with the deal effective from July 1, 2020.
Making his debut on September 27, 2020, Pedri wore the number 16 shirt and scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League on October 20. He continued to shine, winning his first trophy in April 2021 as Barcelona triumphed in the Copa del Rey final.
Pedri’s remarkable achievements earned him the Golden Boy award in November 2021 and the 2021 Kopa Trophy the following week.
Notably, he scored the fastest Derbi Barceloní goal in the 21st century on February 13, 2022. Unfortunately, he faced a setback on April 14, 2022, with a hamstring injury during a Europa League clash.
On January 28, 2023, Pedri marked his 100th appearance for Barcelona in a La Liga match against Girona, scoring the only goal after being brought on as a substitute.
8. Robert Lewandoski (Barcelona)
Born on August 21, 1988, Robert Lewandowski is a Polish footballer known for his exceptional skills as a striker. Currently playing for Barcelona in La Liga, he also leads the Poland national team.
Widely considered one of the best players of his era and among the greatest strikers in history, Lewandowski has left a significant mark in Bundesliga and Bayern Munich history, boasting over 600 goals in his illustrious career for both club and country.
In July 2022, Barcelona finalized the €45 million transfer of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, making him the most expensive Polish player and Bayern’s priciest sale.
Despite initial speculation about salary cap limits, Lewandowski was officially registered in August.
During the 2022–23 season, he made a strong impact, scoring in various matches, including a hat-trick in his Champions League debut. Lewandowski’s contributions led to Barcelona winning the La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.
He ended the season with 23 goals, securing the Pichichi Trophy and becoming the first player in six consecutive seasons to win the top scorer award in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
In the 2023–24 season, he achieved milestones such as scoring his 100th UEFA goal and becoming Barcelona’s best scorer in the first 50 matches of the 21st century.
7. Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Born on April 30, 1992, Marc-André ter Stegen is a German goalkeeper, currently showcasing his skills with Barcelona in La Liga and representing the German national team.
Originally recognized as a promising talent in his youth, he has evolved into one of the top goalkeepers globally, earning the nickname “Berlin Wall” for his impressive reflexes and ball-playing abilities. Ter Stegen is known for his exceptional reflexes, precise passing, and adept ball control.
On May 22, 2014, Ter Stegen signed a €12 million transfer to Barcelona with a buy-out clause of €80 million. He secured his fourth La Liga title and reached the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
In the 2019–20 season, he made history with assists and kept five consecutive clean sheets. Despite a tough 2020–21 season with knee surgery, he extended his contract with Barcelona until June 2025.
Ter Stegen celebrated his 100th clean sheet on November 24, 2020, and reached 250 appearances on January 6, 2021. Winning the Copa del Rey that year, he faced challenges in the 2021–22 season but emerged as Barcelona’s fourth captain in the 2022–23 season.
He clinched his fifth La Liga title and received the Zamora Trophy for conceding only 18 goals in 38 appearances, equaling a La Liga record. Despite domestic success, Barcelona faced setbacks in the Champions League and Europa League.
6. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Born on November 10, 2002, Eduardo Celmi Camavinga is a footballer currently active as a midfielder for Real Madrid in La Liga and the France national team.
Recognized for his athleticism, versatility, and technical skills, he typically takes on the role of a central midfielder but is equally adept as a full-back or defensive midfielder.
Real Madrid signed Camavinga until June 2027 on August 31, 2021. He made a standout debut in September, scoring against Celta Vigo and assisting in the Champions League against Inter Milan.
His remarkable left-footed goal against Real Sociedad in March 2022 played a pivotal role in a 4–1 victory. Camavinga also contributed to Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Liverpool in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final.
In the Champions League semi-final on May 9, 2023, Camavinga, at 20 years and 180 days, provided an assist, making him the youngest in the competition’s semi-finals. Real Madrid extended his contract until June 2029 on November 7, 2023.
Read More:
Complete List of Spanish League Winners from 1929 to Date
Teams of Spanish League 2023-24 Season
Top 10 Players with the Most Assists in La Liga History
5. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Born on July 22, 1998, Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta, commonly known as Fede Valverde, is a Uruguayan footballer currently serving as a central midfielder for Real Madrid in La Liga and the Uruguay national team.
Recognized for his speed, endurance, strong work ethic, and sharpshooting skills, Valverde is a versatile player who can also excel as a defensive midfielder, right winger, and occasionally as a right-back.
Impressing manager Julen Lopetegui in the 2018–19 pre-season, Valverde secured a spot in Real Madrid’s first team. He made his debut at 20 and played a crucial role in winning the FIFA Club World Cup that season.
Under Zinedine Zidane, Valverde became a key player in the 2019–20 season, scoring his first goal and making 33 league appearances as Real Madrid secured the La Liga title. He continued to shine in the 2020–21 season, scoring against Barcelona and assisting in the UEFA Champions League Final victory.
In August 2021, Valverde extended his contract until 2027. Notably, he scored in the 2022–23 Champions League and faced controversy in April 2023.
Later that year, on July 3, the case against him was dismissed. On November 9, 2023, he further extended his contract with Real Madrid until June 2029.
4. Gavi (Barcelona)
Born on August 5, 2004, Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, commonly known as Gavi, is a Spanish footballer making waves as a central midfielder for Barcelona in La Liga and the Spain national team.
After featuring for Barcelona B in the 2020–21 season, Gavi impressed in pre-season friendlies with the first team. His standout performances led to him replacing Sergi Roberto in the senior squad in August 2021. Gavi scored his first goal and provided an assist in a December 2021 win over Elche.
In the 2022–23 season, Gavi shone in the Supercopa de España Final against Real Madrid, earning the title of man of the match. Despite legal challenges, a Spanish court ruled in favour of Gavi’s contract extension with Barcelona until 2026.
On June 20, 2023, his registration as a first-team player was completed, and he extended his contract with a €1 billion release clause.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Born on June 29, 2003, Jude Victor William Bellingham is an English footballer showcasing his skills as a midfielder for Real Madrid in La Liga and the England national team.
In 2023, he achieved significant recognition, clinching both the Golden Boy Award for outstanding players under 21 in Europe over the last calendar year and the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best in the previous season.
On June 14, 2023, Real Madrid officially signed Bellingham to a six-year contract, with a base transfer fee of €103 million, potentially rising to around €133.9 million with add-ons.
The English midfielder marked his debut with a goal in a 2–0 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao on August 12, 2023. Bellingham’s impressive start included becoming La Liga’s top scorer, receiving the Player of the Month award, and scoring a crucial winner against Getafe.
His standout performance continued with a brace in a 2–1 victory over Barcelona on October 28, making him the first Real Madrid player to score in both La Liga and Champions League debuts and El Clásico. Later, he received the Golden Boy award for the best male under-21 footballer in European top divisions.
Despite a left shoulder dislocation in November, Bellingham returned to action, contributing to a 3–0 win against Cádiz and breaking the club record for goals in his first 15 games.
On November 29, he made history as the first player to score in each of his first four Champions League appearances for Real Madrid in a 4–2 victory against Napoli.
2. İlkay Gündoğan (Barcelona)
Born on October 24, 1990, İlkay Gündoğan is a German midfielder, currently showcasing his skills for La Liga’s Barcelona and representing the German national team.
On June 26, 2023, Gündoğan joined Barcelona with a two-year contract on a free transfer. His inaugural goal for Barcelona occurred on October 28, netting in the sixth minute against Real Madrid during El Clásico.
Despite his contribution, Barcelona faced a 2-1 home defeat against Jude Bellingham’s brace. This marked Gündoğan as the second oldest player, at 33 years and 4 days, to score for the club in this iconic fixture, following Sergio Agüero.
1. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, widely recognized as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian footballer renowned for his prowess as a winger.
Currently playing for Real Madrid in La Liga and representing the Brazil national team, he stands out as one of the world’s top players, celebrated for his remarkable speed, adept dribbling, and exceptional playmaking talents.
On 23 May 2017, Real Madrid secured Vinícius’ services, signing him after his 18th birthday for €46 million. Initially planned for a loan back to Brazil, he joined Real Madrid officially on 20 July 2018.
The journey unfolded with notable moments: his debut in September 2018, his first goal in November 2018, and a remarkable comeback in the 2021–22 season with a hat-trick.
In the 2022–23 season, he clinched the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball, dazzled in the Champions League, and inherited the No. 7 shirt post-Hazard’s departure.
The following season, after decisive contributions in La Liga and a hat-trick in the Supercopa de España final, Real Madrid extended Vinícius’ contract until June 2027 on 31 October 2023.