The 30 Greatest La Liga Players of the 21st Century – Ranked
La Liga has been the home of countless legends since the turn of the millennium. From dazzling playmakers to ruthless strikers and commanding defenders, Spain’s top flight has consistently showcased the very best in world football. Here is a ranking of the 30 greatest players to have graced the league in the 21st century — starting from number 30 and building up to the ultimate icon at number one.
30. Isco
At his peak, Isco was one of the most graceful and technically gifted midfielders in Spain. His close control, dribbling, and creativity made him a joy to watch during Real Madrid’s dominant years, contributing to four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. Though inconsistency marred his later career, his talent remains undeniable.
29. Samuel Eto’o
One of the most ruthless strikers of his era, Samuel Eto’o was a force of nature during his Barcelona years. His speed, finishing, and relentless energy helped deliver three league titles and two Champions Leagues, cementing his legacy as one of La Liga’s deadliest forwards.
28. Rafael Márquez
Known as the “Kaiser of Michoacán,” Rafael Márquez was the calm and composed defender every top side craves. His intelligence and versatility allowed him to dominate both at centre-back and in midfield, making him a key figure in Barcelona’s early Guardiola era.
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27. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s intelligence and long-range passing made him one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. From Real Sociedad to Real Madrid, his composure and tactical brain elevated every team he played for, bringing balance and control in midfield.
26. Dani Alves
No right-back has ever played quite like Dani Alves, who turned his position into an attacking weapon. His link-up with Lionel Messi was devastating, and his creativity and flair from deep added a new dimension to Barcelona’s dominance.
25. Gerard Piqué
Piqué was the complete defender, calm on the ball and commanding at the back. He anchored Barcelona’s backline for more than a decade, winning eight La Liga titles and leaving his mark as one of Spain’s finest ever centre-backs.
24. Marcelo
At his peak, Marcelo was an unstoppable force from left-back, combining flair, vision, and attacking quality. A serial winner with Real Madrid, he became the heartbeat of Los Blancos’ dominance in both Spain and Europe.
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23. Luís Figo
One of the most controversial transfers in football history saw Luís Figo switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid. Despite the chaos, he delivered class and trophies, showcasing why he was considered the best winger in the world at his peak.
22. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football during his years in Madrid. His commanding presence and shot-stopping brilliance were never more evident than in the 2022 Champions League final, where he produced a performance for the ages.
21. Diego Godín
Diego Godín became the symbol of Atlético Madrid’s defensive resilience under Diego Simeone. Not the quickest or flashiest, but his intelligence, bravery, and leadership made him one of La Liga’s most respected defenders.
20. Gareth Bale
Though often criticized, Gareth Bale delivered moments of pure magic in a Real Madrid shirt. His unforgettable Copa del Rey sprint and iconic Champions League final overhead kick cemented his status as one of the best British exports in La Liga history.
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19. Raúl
The definition of a Real Madrid legend, Raúl combined leadership with an uncanny ability to score in big moments. A six-time La Liga champion, he embodied Madridismo and set the standard for excellence at the Bernabéu.
18. David Villa
Spain’s all-time leading scorer, David Villa was a predator in front of goal. Whether for Valencia, Barcelona, or Atlético, his movement and finishing made him one of the most reliable strikers in La Liga history.
17. Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba was tireless and electric down the left flank for Barcelona. His partnership with Lionel Messi was legendary, producing dozens of goals and keeping defenders constantly on edge.
16. Antoine Griezmann
Few players have shown as much versatility as Antoine Griezmann. At Atlético Madrid, he has been striker, creator, and workhorse — always contributing with goals, assists, and relentless pressing.
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15. Karim Benzema
Benzema went from selfless teammate to Madrid’s undisputed star. His 2021-22 season, full of clutch goals and individual brilliance, secured his place among La Liga’s striking greats.
14. Iker Casillas
“San Iker” was the goalkeeper of a generation, mixing lightning reflexes with composure under pressure. A product of Real Madrid’s academy, he became a symbol of both club and country’s golden eras.
13. Toni Kroos
The German playmaker dictated games with ease, making the extraordinary look routine. His passing range and composure under pressure helped Real Madrid dominate La Liga and Europe.
12. Sergio Busquets
Busquets was the ultimate midfield anchor, redefining the pivot role in football. Intelligent, calm, and deceptively skilled, he was the silent force behind Barcelona’s tiki-taka dynasty.
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11. Sergio Ramos
A leader and warrior, Ramos brought both steel and goals to Real Madrid’s backline. He scored over 100 goals as a defender, all while captaining Los Blancos to domestic and European glory.
10. Neymar
Neymar’s flair and skill lit up La Liga during his Barcelona years. Part of the legendary “MSN” trio, he combined trickery with decisive contributions to help Barça conquer Europe.
9. Carles Puyol
Barcelona’s warrior captain, Puyol, embodied leadership and commitment like few others. His courage and defensive strength anchored Barcelona’s golden era, making him the ultimate one-club icon.
8. Luka Modrić
Modrić was the master of midfield control, dictating tempo with grace and vision. His longevity and consistency made him one of the most admired players in the modern game.
7. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta’s dribbling, composure, and vision made him one of the finest midfielders ever. Always stepping up in the biggest moments, he was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s golden era.
6. Xavi
Xavi saw spaces others couldn’t, orchestrating Barcelona’s tiki-taka with metronomic precision. His leadership and intelligence cemented him as one of La Liga’s greatest midfield generals.
5. Luis Suárez
Suárez arrived at Barcelona and became a goal-scoring machine, fitting seamlessly alongside Messi and Neymar. His relentless edge and ability to finish in every way imaginable made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
4. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho brought joy, magic, and artistry to La Liga. His flair, tricks, and unforgettable Bernabéu ovation defined a golden period of entertainment in Spanish football.
3. Zinedine Zidane
One of the true Galácticos, Zidane dazzled with elegance and composure at Real Madrid. His volley in the 2002 Champions League final remains one of the competition’s most iconic goals.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
A relentless goal machine, Ronaldo redefined what it meant to be a forward. His athleticism, precision, and hunger for records made him one of La Liga’s most dominant figures.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi was simply out of this world. Scoring, assisting, dribbling — he did it all, leading Barcelona to unparalleled success and cementing himself as the greatest player to ever grace La Liga.
