Ranking the Top 10 La Liga Players of All Time

Being one of the most popular football leagues in the World, La Liga has been home to many superstars since its journey started. Selecting the top 10 La Liga players of all time from a long list of great players is one of the most difficult tasks, given more than 100 legendary players have graced the stage of the Spanish league over the decades.

Since its inception, La Liga has been delivering a different style of play for the football watchers. Setting a standard, it has been different from other top leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A, where physicality and strength play more crucial roles than skills.

Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Iniesta, Modric, etc have entertained the fans with their sublime finishing, visionary passing range and dribbling. Despite being one of the top European leagues, the Spanish top flight has embraced the Latin American playing style more than the fast-paced European football.

Among the top five football leagues in the world, La Liga has been the most effective bridge between European and Latin American players. Many of the greatest players in La Liga history have represented three major teams in the league – Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, arguably the two most influential stars in the history of football, were part of La Liga in the prime time of their career.

The Cristiano Ronaldo—Lionel Messi rivalry has always kept football fans in awe while these two greats of the game performed on the turf. Now, the latest addition to the legendary list of the top players of La Liga is Kylian Mbappe, who is all set to show his calibre in the league next season. At Sportsdunia, we have compiled a list comprising the top 10 best La Liga players who were in peak form during their time in the league.

Ranking Factors

Longevity

How many years they were active & played in the league and how well did they perform in the top flight.

Honours Won

How many titles and accolades players have won, like the domestic league, international club competitions, and individual honours.

10. Raul

The prolific Spaniard created a legendary status at Real Madrid after joining the club only at the age of fifteen. With six La Liga championships, 323 career goals, and three European titles to his name, the iconic goal scorer justified his legendary rank. Raul led Los Blancos to six La Liga triumphs while finishing as the competition’s top scorer in two campaigns, 1998/99 and 2000/01 respectively. Moreover, he stands amongst the top 10 La Liga Players of all time, racking up 228 league goals in 550 games.

9. Roberto Carlos

Despite being a left-back, Carlos cemented his place among the top 10 La Liga players of all time through his eventful career, which showcased his powerful shots, unbelievable free-kick goals, and accurate passing ability. The legendary Brazilian played in 527 matches for Los Blancos, netting 69 goals, and lifting three UCL trophies and three La Liga titles.

8. Andres Iniesta

The greatest Spanish midfielder of all time, Andres Iniesta has carved his legacy in the Spanish top flight during his illustrious 16 long years in La Liga. Barcelona icon, Iniesta guided the Catalan giants to clinch the Spanish League title 9 times from 2002 to 2018. His influence was the key factor in Barcelona’s dominance in Europe as well as in Spain, claiming several triumphs throughout his tenure at Camp Nou. Iniesta made 442 La Liga appearances while netting 35 goals and racked up 84 assists.

7. Paco Gento

Paco Gento, popularly known as ‘La Galerna’, was one of the most feared strikers across the European continent. They say a player’s legacy is reviewed by the titles he has won in his career. The legendary forward has clinched the La Liga title on 12 occasions, which still remains a record to be touched by any player in the history of the Spanish top division.

Before the modernization of football, Paco was pivotal in guiding Los Blancos to six European Cup glories. His sublime finish, off-the-ball movement and pace used to terrorize opponents.

6. Toni Kroos

Whenever the names of the best centre midfielders are discussed in football, the name of Toni Kroos will be a major topic to be discussed. The former Bayern Munich man earned a place among the legendary midfielders’ list through a long-lasting successful career at Real Madrid in La Liga.

The former German international had won five UEFA Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, ensuring his place in the rankings of top 10 La Liga players of all time. He has hung up his boots this year after providing 99 assists and scoring 28 goals for Los Blancos. The former German International is known for his cool and composed character in the middle of the field.

5. Xavi

Although it’s hard to separate Xavi and Iniesta, as they both played together for the majority of their career. The former Barcelona manager was a complete centre midfielder during his time as a player at the club. Xavi’s presence in the middle worked like an invisible connection between the defence and attack of Barcelona. Since getting promoted from La Masia to the senior team in 1998, he became a consistent force for the Catalan side in the midfield department.

His presence of mind and passing ability made it easier for forwards like David Villa and Messi to score goals. In his 767 appearances for Barcelona, the talented midfielder lifted La Liga titles 8 times.

4. Sergio Ramos

At number 4 we have the greatest Spanish defender of all time, Sergio Ramos. The former Real Madrid captain is arguably the most celebrated Spanish footballer in the history of La Liga. He was a leader and a match-winner, which is why Real Madrid signed him following his breakout campaign with Sevilla. His leadership skills on and off the field made him a commanding figure in the Los Blancos dressing room.

The 2010 World Cup winner, Sergio Ramos, despite playing as a centre-back, scored over 100 goals while donning the Real Madrid jersey. His consistency as a centre-back led him to become the captain of the club and play more than 700 games.

3. Alfredo di Stefano

A discussion about La Liga’s top players would be incomplete without mentioning the name of the great, Alfredo di Stefano. He is probably the most admired Real Madrid player of all time. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contribution towards La Liga and his club will be remembered fondly by the Los Blancos fans.

The legendary goalscorer clinched 227 goals in his 329 appearances in the Spanish league and won eight La Liga titles in the process. A list of the top 10 La Liga players of all time will always remain incomplete without his name, which is why he has claimed a spot in this legendary list of players.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

If anyone in the modern football world can challenge Lionel Messi’s superiority, it must be Cristiano Ronaldo. Born on the Portuguese autonomous island Madeira, he was scouted by Sporting CP Lison and later nurtured by Manchester United and mentored by the great Sir Alex Ferguson. He became a legend in Real Madrid. This is the abbreviated career timeline of the record goal scorer in football history.

When he arrived in Madrid back in 2009 for his unveiling as a Real Madrid player, he was welcomed by more than 75 thousand fans. Now, you can understand why he was one of the most, if not the most, important footballers in La Liga.

Despite shouldering a mountain-sized burden, he began to thrive in the legendary ranks of Los Blancos. Following his arrival, the La Liga fans were fortunate to witness the rivalry of Messi and Ronaldo firsthand. At Real Madrid, Ronaldo was synonymous with goals as the Portuguese superstar netted 450 goals in 438 appearances. It’s astonishing, isn’t it?

In 2014, the legendary commentator Peter Drury once said during a UEFA Champions League game: “If you are a goalkeeper, and it’s a UCL night, then don’t sleep. Otherwise, this man (Ronaldo) will come for you, and will punish you.” He was specially brought in to finish Real Madrid’s drought for the UCL trophy, and he did so in style by winning the glorious European title four times during his nine-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu. Scoring goals was like a walk in the park for this beast.

1. Lionel Messi

The Argentine superstar is undoubtedly the most influential footballer in the history of La Liga. When it comes to scoring goals and winning trophies, there are not many players who can match his level on the field. Having played 778 games for Barcelona, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner scored 672 goals including a massive 36 hat-tricks to his name.

Messi bagged 50 goals in 37 games during the 2011-12 season, a testament to how good he was. Despite playing alongside legends like Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Iniesta, Messi used to be on another level on the turf week in, and week out. Not only does he have 10 La Liga titles to his name, but he also holds the record for winning the most number of Ballon d’Or awards as a La Liga player.

Who Are the Top 10 La Liga Players in the History