Ranked! Best Spanish Footballers of All-time

Football was at its peak when the best Spanish footballers were dominating the sport at the world stage. Most of the celebrated footballers from La Roja enjoyed a great spell of success together in major competitions such as FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best Spanish players ever.

List of Top 10 Spanish Football Players

10. Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique, against all criticism, must definitely be considered one of the greatest Spanish footballers. The former Manchester United center-back formed a great defensive partnership at both Barcelona and the Spanish national football team. 

Before ending his international career in 2018, he represented La Roja on 102 occasions. Like other important footballers on the list of the best Spanish players, Pique was a part of the Spanish glorious chapter that saw the country lifting the FIFA World Cup and Euro.

9. Carles Puyol

One of the celebrated defenders of all-time, Carles Puyol was a monumental figure in La Roja history. He was an important player during the golden eras of Spain and Barcelona. From La Liga to UEFA Champions League, the center-back from Catalan province won them all at the club level.

In the 2010 World Cup, La Roja conceded only two goals on their way to win the global title, courtesy of an outstanding performance by Puyol throughout the tournament. Having earned over 100 international caps, the Barcelona legend made it to the elite group of football in an injury-prone career.

Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Spanish Midfielders of All-time

8. Raul

Raul Gonzalez, one of the lethal strikers of the ball, is another player on the list of the best Spanish footballers of all-time. He was the country’s leading goal scorer for almost a decade with 44 goals to his name. 

Despite his limited playing time in the Spanish national football team due to managerial tactics, the former Real Madrid forward managed to play in 102 international games in red shirt. Before La Roja won a major trophy in 2008 in the form of Euro, Raul decided to hang up his boots.

7. Xabi Alonso

Spain witnessed a great deal of international success from 2008 to 2012, and Xabi Alonso was one of the major reasons behind that golden era of the country. La Roja won three titles – 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2008 and 2012 Euros, when Alonso was displaying his elegance on the pitch. 

Under Vincente del Bosque, the Spanish midfield was incomplete without his presence. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool playmaker played 116 international matches for La Roja, scoring 16 goals in the process.

6. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets was a jewel in the golden crown of Spanish midfield. The elegant midfielder was a serial winner for Barcelona and La Roja. Forward passes, defensive ability and vision of play made him one of the best Spanish players. Since making international debut in 2010, the defensive midfielder had been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the La Roja managers.

His eye-catching displays on turf earned him a spot in the national team ahead of Xabi Alonso. With 143 international caps, Busquets became one of the Spanish greats. 

5. David Villa

David Villa is regarded as one of the best Spanish footballers, thanks to an explosive career graph of the player. Following the exclusion of Raul from the national side, the Barcelona striker got the perfect opportunity to show his talent, and he didn’t hesitate to take that golden opportunity. One FIFA World Cup and two Euros are the testament to his greatness at the international level.

Villa went on to become the greatest goal scorer in the history of Spanish football with 59 goals in 98 appearances, surpassing Raul’s record.

4. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos was one of the greatest leaders of the game. The former Real Madrid captain enjoyed an impressive career both at club and international stages. Despite being a defender, he scored 23 goals for Spain in 180 games. 

Ramos started his international career as a right-back, but later moved to the center-back position under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. His greatness is clearly demonstrated in the fact that he is the eighth-highest goal scorer in Spanish football despite being a defender. He also holds the record of making the most number of appearances for Spain.

3. Xavi Hernandez

If you are an emerging football player and want to become a midfielder, you must watch the video clips of Xavi Hernandez playing in a Spanish shirt. The introduction of the tiki-taka playing style to the Spanish national football team and Barcelona turned out to be a huge success because of Xavi’s elegance in the middle. He was the main engine in the ever-evolving midfield of Spain. 

From helping defense to producing scoring opportunities for the attackers, the former midfielder was everywhere. In 133 international appearances, Xavi scored 13 goals. He will always be regarded as one of the best footballers of all-time. 

Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Manchester United Managers

2. Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas is the only goalkeeper on the list of the best Spanish footballers ever, courtesy of an illustrious career full of plenty of major trophies. The former Real Madrid stopper led La Roja during their finest period when they won two Euros and one World Cup trophy between 2008 and 2012. 

Casillas was the most reliable last man of defense for both Real Madrid and Spain with countless incredible saves. His heroics under the sticks earned him a popular nickname ‘San Iker’. Casillas retired from the game after suffering a heart attack on the field at Porto after making 167 international appearances.

1. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is our number one pick for the best Spanish footballers’ list. Choosing him over Xavi was a difficult task, but his over the ball and elegant displays earned him the top spot. He was the best player for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 Euro Championship. Iniesta scored the winning goal in South Africa to guide La Roja to their first-ever World Cup title. 

The former Barcelona star, who has recently retired from football, won 131 caps while scoring over 13 goals in the process. Iniesta lifted over 30 trophies with Barcelona at the club stage.

FAQs