Our 5 standout men of the La Liga season | OneFootball

It's time to hand out the gold stars.

FC Barcelona cruised to the La Liga title this season.

Before all eyes turn to the 2026 World Cup, here are the five players who defined the 2025-2026 season in Spain.

Lamine Yamal - FC Barcelona

Already brilliant last season, Lamine Yamal has now gone to another level. The Spanish prodigy became Barça’s true creative leader, capable of deciding a match with a dribble, a burst of speed, or a moment of inspiration out of nowhere.

Elusive in tight spaces, spectacular without ever forcing it, and decisive in the biggest games, Yamal has firmly established himself among the best players in the world despite his very young age.

Pedri - FC Barcelona

Barça’s metronome. When Pedri was playing well, the whole Catalan side seemed to operate a level above. Omnipresent between the lines, valuable in winning the ball back, and always technically sharp, the Spanish midfielder rediscovered his best form this season.

Elegant, intelligent, and essential to the team’s rhythm, Pedri reminded everyone why he is considered one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.

📸 OSCAR DEL POZO - AFP or licensors

Federico Valverde - Real Madrid

The heart of Real Madrid. In a turbulent season for Los Blancos, Federico Valverde was the one who never hid, covering endless ground, making defensive recoveries, and scoring decisive goals.

Capable of playing anywhere, immense in his physical impact, and exemplary in his attitude, the Uruguayan established himself as one of the most complete and valuable midfielders in the world.

Julián Alvarez - Atlético de Madrid

Already highly anticipated after his first season in Spain, Julián Alvarez lived up to every expectation. More consistent, more clinical in front of goal, and still as valuable in the press, the Argentine established himself as Atlético’s attacking figurehead this season.

Tireless in his effort, intelligent with his movement, and ruthless in the box, Alvarez perfectly embodied the intensity and efficiency of Simeone-style football.

Kylian Mbappé - Real Madrid

Once again outstanding statistically, Kylian Mbappé finished among the season’s main protagonists in La Liga thanks to his efficiency in front of goal and his ability to turn a match on its head with a burst of acceleration. In a Madrid side that was sometimes inconsistent, the Frenchman was often Real’s main attacking weapon.

But despite his impressive numbers, his season did not win everyone over in Spain. His attitude on the pitch, his defensive commitment, and certain displays of frustration were regularly criticized, fueling debate over his leadership and his integration into the Madrid collective.

Who would you have liked to see on this list? Tell us everything in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 David Ramos - 2026 Getty Images