The 25 Greatest La Liga Players of the 21st Century – Ranked from 25 to 1

23. Thibaut Courtois

Goalkeepers rarely get the limelight, but Courtois has been exceptional. After a strong stint at Atlético Madrid, he returned to Spain with Real and became a wall in goal—particularly in the 2022 Champions League final. One of the most dominant keepers in La Liga this century.

22. Diego Godín

The defensive general of Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid revolution. Godín was tough, tactical, and unshakable—key to the club’s unlikely La Liga title in 2014. Not the flashiest, but absolutely vital.

21. Gareth Bale

Sometimes misunderstood, often underappreciated. Bale delivered big moments in big games—from his Copa del Rey sprint goal to his CL final bicycle kick. He won five Champions Leagues and three La Ligas at Real Madrid, earning his place in La Liga lore.

20. Vinícius Jr.

Still only at the beginning of his journey, but already a superstar. With blistering pace, dazzling dribbles, and ever-improving finishing, Vinícius has become Real Madrid’s attacking talisman. Three La Ligas and two Champions Leagues before turning 25? He’s just getting started.

19. David Villa

An elite finisher who led the line for Valencia, Barcelona, and Atlético. Villa’s agility, intelligence, and killer instinct helped him become Spain’s all-time top scorer and one of La Liga’s most consistent goal threats.

18. Jordi Alba

For over a decade, Alba’s link-up play with Messi on Barcelona’s left flank terrorized defences. His speed, timing, and attacking sense made him indispensable for both club and country.

17. Pepe

Known for his ferocity, but beneath the aggression was a brilliant defender. Pepe was crucial to Real Madrid’s backline, forming a brutal but effective partnership with Sergio Ramos.

16. Carles Puyol

The ultimate captain. Puyol’s leadership, heart, and discipline made him the soul of Barcelona. A one-club man who left everything on the pitch, winning six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

15. Karim Benzema

The elegant No.9 who evolved from support act to superstar. Benzema was unselfish in the Ronaldo era, but when given the spotlight, he thrived—winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and becoming Real’s second all-time top scorer.

14. Iker Casillas

A Real Madrid icon. Casillas debuted as a teenager and stayed for over 700 games, winning five La Ligas and three Champions Leagues. His reflexes and leadership earned him the nickname San Iker—and the respect of fans worldwide.

13. Toni Kroos

The German pass master. Kroos brought control, vision, and technical precision to Real Madrid’s midfield for over a decade. A vital part of five Champions League wins and three La Liga titles.

12. Sergio Busquets

A deep-lying midfielder who made the simple look genius. Busquets anchored Barcelona’s tiki-taka system for over a decade, reading the game like few others. He redefined the No.6 role for a generation.

11. Sergio Ramos

A complete defender with an eye for the dramatic. Ramos combined brute strength with clutch goals—especially in finals. He scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid and led them to five La Ligas and four Champions Leagues.

10. Neymar

He brought Brazilian flair and pure entertainment to La Liga. A key figure in the legendary MSN trio, Neymar dazzled with his skills and played a central role in Barcelona’s 2015 treble-winning season.

9. Antoine Griezmann

Loyal, versatile, and relentlessly consistent. Griezmann has shone brightest in an Atlético shirt, doing it all—pressing, scoring, assisting. He may never win a Ballon d’Or, but his value to club and country is indisputable.

8. Luka Modrić

The midfield maestro. Modrić’s balance, vision, and outside-foot passes have mesmerized La Liga fans for over a decade. A Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion. The heart of Real Madrid’s most successful midfield trio.

7. Andrés Iniesta

6. Xavi Hernández

La Liga’s metronome. Xavi orchestrated matches like a conductor, dictating tempo and movement. Eight league titles and a tactical mind that later led him to coach the very team he once controlled from the pitch.

5. Luis Suárez

A goal machine with bite—literally and figuratively. Suárez delivered astonishing numbers at Barcelona, including a 59-goal season in 2016. He later won La Liga again with Atlético, proving he was far more than Messi’s sidekick.

4. Ronaldinho

Joy personified. At his peak, Ronaldinho was football’s purest form of expression. His tricks, smile, and showmanship transformed Barcelona—and made even rival fans stand to applaud.

3. Zinedine Zidane

A Galáctico before the term went mainstream. Zidane brought grace and authority to Madrid’s midfield and left us with one of the most iconic goals in CL history. His later success as Real Madrid manager only adds to his mystique.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

A relentless goal-scorer and physical marvel. Ronaldo redefined what it meant to dominate, with 311 La Liga goals and countless iconic moments. His rivalry with Messi elevated the league and mesmerized fans for nearly a decade.

1. Lionel Messi

The undisputed king of La Liga. With 474 league goals, 10 La Liga titles, six Golden Boots, and countless assists, Messi transcended football. A genius who evolved with each era, his 17 years in La Liga redefined what greatness looks like. Quite simply: the best to ever do it.