The Greatest Spanish Football Players of All Time
The 5 Greatest Spanish Footballers
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain was known in the 20th century as a country that produced technically majestic footballers with little international silverware to show for it.
This changed in the new century with the dominant Spanish team of 2008-2012. The Spaniards and their team revolutionized how football was played with their ‘tiki-taka’ pass-and-move philosophy, and they won every available trophy in that period.
Many of the greatest, most talented Spaniards ever came from the new era, yet many others came before them, just with less success which then led to less recognition.
Whilst a tough task to undertake; here are of 5 of Spain’s best-ever:
1. Iker Casillas
Position: Goalkeeper
Caps: 167
Spain’s most-capped goalkeeper of all time, Iker Casillas personified consistency and professionalism throughout his 16-year international career.
His senior international debut came in June 2000, which was after Casillas’ first season as a pro at Spanish giant Real Madrid. The shot-stopper was 19 years old at the time. Casillas had shown promise for La Roja’s youth teams, having become captain of the U17s before impressing in only one season at senior level.
Casillas was then called up to Spain’s Euro 2000 squad as third-choice goalkeeper soon after and played no minutes at the tournament. After the Euros, Casillas continued to be a regular member of the national setup, and his significance in the team quickly grew as evidenced by the Spaniard having already earned 11 caps by the end of 2001.
Casillas at the 2002 World Cup
This growing importance meant Casillas was called up to La Roja’s 2002 World Cup squad despite his inconsistent club form at the time.
At the WC, Casillas started all 5 of Spain’s games as La Roja reached the quarterfinals only to crash out in shocking out fashion via a loss vs hosts South Korea. Originally an understudy to Santiago Canizares of Valencia, Casillas went on to be the starting keeper after Canizares suffered an injury.
The shotstoppers’ man of the match performance vs the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16 earned him the nickname ‘The Saint’, as the Spaniard saved a penalty in regular time and two more in a penalty shootout in what was one of the best goalkeeping displays of all-time.
Casillas became Spain’s undisputed #1 after the ’02 WC, going on to amass 11 caps in 2003 alone.
He had also returned to untouchable status at Real Madrid as illustrated by his 50 appearances made in 2003/04. As a result, Casillas was called to represent his country at Euro 2004.
At the tournament, he started all 3 of his side’s games as Spain crashed out of the group stages for the first time since 1988. Whilst the collective performance was poor, Casillas had a fantastic tournament, keeping 2 clean sheets from the 3 games he played.
As it became evident Casillas was world-class in his position, his role as a leader grew. After Euro 2004, Casillas began to captain La Roja when legend Raul was absent.
At the 2006 WC, Casillas played 3 of Spain’s 4 games as the Iberians exited the RO16 via a 3-1 loss vs France; with the ‘keeper wearing the armband in 2 of the 3 games he played. By Euro 2008, Casillas had been made captain permanently.
Spanish Glory from 2008-2012
At the Euros, the shot-stopper started 5 of Spain’s 6 games at the tournament as Spain won their second-ever European Championship. Casillas kept 3 clean sheets along the way, conceding only 3 goals during La Roja’s path to victory.
His resolute performances for the champions earned Casillas a place in the team of the tournament. Considered a national icon after captaining his country to a major international trophy, Casillas continued to be ever-present for La Roja afterwards, appearing in 4 of Spain’s 5 games (2 clean sheets) at the 2009 Confederations Cup as the Iberians earned themselves a bronze medal in a bittersweet performance.
The 2010 WC was the greatest football triumph in Spanish history, and Casillas was a major part of La Roja’s triumph in South Africa. The shot-stopper captained his side in all 7 of their games at the tournament, keeping 5 clean sheets in a historic performance from ‘the keeper and team which resulted in a Spanish WC triumph. After conceding only 2 goals all tournament in an exceptional individual display, Casillas earned a place in the WC team of the tournament as well as the golden glove for best goalkeeper of the competition.
No team had ever retained the European Championship prior to 2012, yet Spain achieved this with ease and efficiency; with Casillas’ leadership from the back proving invaluable.
At the tournament, Casillas started all 6 of his side’s games as captain, keeping 5 clean sheets as La Roja triumphed on the continent once again. He conceded just one goal throughout the duration of the competition, and the goal came in Spain’s first game of the group stages. Casillas’ robust performances in goal earned him a place in the Euro 2012 team of the tournament; and his 509 minutes without conceding at the tournament is a European Championship record.
Casillas then chose to represent La Roja the very next year in the Confederations Cup; with the pre-WC tournament held in Brazil at the time. At the competition, Casillas played 3 of Spain’s 5 games, serving as captain when he did play.
The shot-stopper kept 1 clean sheet as the Spanish earned silver, with the collective performance an improvement from the bronze of 2009. Afterwards, the legendary ‘keeper continued to be involved in the national setup despite not being undisputed #1 at Real Madrid since 2012/13.
The shotstopper’s club form was disregarded and he was called up to Spain’s 2014 World Cup squad.
At the tournament, Casillas captained La Roja in 2 of their 3 games as the Iberians crashed out of the group stages in an embarrassing performance from the defending world champions of the time. From barely conceding a goal in an entire tournament, Casillas conceded 7 goals in the 2 games he played at the 2014 WC. Casillas’ last major international tournament was Euro 2016.
At the tournament, Casillas was second-choice goalkeeper behind David de Gea, and played no minutes at the tournament. His last cap for Spain came in June 2016.
Not particularly tall for a goalkeeper at 6 feet, Iker Casillas used his inherent agility and trained positioning to compensate for his slight flaw. Known for making saves with his feet, the legend was also a leader with remarkable composure in big moments.
His professionalism was exemplary to teammates and ensured his longevity at the highest level. Casillas ranks 2nd all-time in total appearances for Real Madrid, and for Spain. He is undoubtedly Spain’s greatest ever goalkeeper.
2. Andres Iniesta
Position: Central midfielder
Caps: 131
Goals: 13
The scorer of Spain’s World Cup-winning goal, Andres Iniesta is a name etched in football history.
Iniesta’s senior international debut came in May 2006 after his fourth season as a pro for Spanish giants FC Barcelona. Iniesta, aged 21 at the time, was called up to Spain’s 2006 World Cup squad despite then being uncapped.
He had won the U16 Euros with Spain and captained the U21 on numerous occasions, which illustrated his talent and mentality at a young age. The maestro was also finally a regular for Barcelona, with 95 games played between 2004/05 and 2005/06.
At the ’06 WC, Iniesta played only 1 of Spain’s 4 games at the tournament as La Roja only reached the RO16. The competition, whilst disappointing collectively, served as a good introduction to international football for the playmaker.
Iniesta became a regular in the national setup immediately afterwards, amassing 12 caps in 2007 alone. By Euro 2008, he had 23 caps for La Roja; as well as 105 Barcelona appearances between 2006/07 and 2007/08.
At the Euros, Iniesta started all 5 of Spain’s games as the Iberians went all the way to lift their first continental trophy since 1964. Playing on either flank of a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1. Iniesta was a creative spark, providing 2 assists at the tournament in addition to a man-of-the-match performance in the semifinals.
The maestro’s virtuoso performances throughout the Euros earned him a place in the team of the tournament. Due to a thigh injury, Iniesta missed the 2009 Confederations Cup. Despite earning only 5 caps in 2009, Iniesta’s Euro 2008 performance guaranteed he would start for La Roja when fit.
The midfield trio of Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets had begun to thrive for Barcelona at the time, winning the treble in 2008/09. Thankfully for Spain, all three were fit and called up for the 2010 WC. At the tournament, Iniesta started 6 of Spain’s 7 games as La Roja won their first-ever World Cup.
Playing on the flanks of either of a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, Iniesta scored 2 winning goals; 1 vs Chile in the group stages and the sole goal in the final vs The Netherlands. The maestro was also named man of the match in 3 WC games, with 2 in the knockout rounds.
Iniesta was named in the WC team of the tournament for his performances at the competition, as well as becoming a Spanish legend as a result of his goal in the final. The midfielder’s iconic status meant he was a nailed-on starter from then on and his 9 caps in 2011 is evidence of this.
After making 96 appearances for Barca between 2010/11 and 2011/12, Iniesta was clearly fit enough to be called up for Euro 2012. At the Euros, the playmaker started all 6 of Spain’s games as La Roja retained their European Championship in unprecedented fashion.
Playing either as the left winger in a 4-3-3 or a strike partnership with David Silva in a 4-3-1-2, Iniesta was named man of the match in 3 of the 6 games he played, dazzling in every game and earning himself a place in a third consecutive team of the tournament. Nearly unplayable at times, Iniesta also won the player of the tournament award at Euro 2012.
After missing the last Confederations Cup due to injury, Iniesta decided to play for Spain at the 2013 edition as he was finally fit to play. At the pre-WC tournament held in Brazil, the playmaker played all 5 of Spain’s games as La Roja earned silver in a somewhat disappointing performance from the then-world champions.
Playing in central midfield of a 4-3-3, Iniesta’s use of the ball was mesmeric in every game he played, earning a place in the team of the tournament as a result.
Next was the 2014 WC, also hosted by Brazil. At the tournament, Iniesta started all 3 of his side’s games as the Spanish crashed out in the group stages in a bewildering fashion.
The maestro continued to be present for La Roja as he entered the latter stages of his career, making fewer appearances in friendlies whilst still getting call-ups for official games. As a result, Iniesta only earned 5 caps in 2015.
Due to his talent and importance, the midfielder was still called to represent Spain at Euro 2016. At the Euros, Iniesta started all 4 of La Roja’s games as Spain only reached the RO16 before exiting to Italy. Playing in central midfield of a 4-3-3, Iniesta was named man of the match twice at the tournament with both awards coming in the group stage.
Iniesta’s final major international tournament was the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At the WC, Iniesta played all 4 of Spain’s games as La Roja reached only the RO16; an improvement on 2014 but a disappointment collectively nonetheless.
The playmaker retired after the tournament, aged 34.
Blessed with close control seen only amongst the best ever, Andres Iniesta also possessed the intelligence required to use the ball efficiently when he had it.
His work ethic and versatility meant the Spaniard was malleable based on the needs of his team, which also ensured Iniesta was vital to any team he played in. Nicknamed El Cerebro (The Brain), Iniesta’s vision and passing were matched in this era by only his amigo, Xavi. He ranks third all-time in appearances for FC Barcelona and fourth all-time for Spain.
3. David Villa
Position: Forward
Caps: 98
Goals: 59
Spain’s highest goalscorer of all time, David Villa was a goal machine who often made the difference in the biggest games.
Villa’s senior international debut came in February 2005 at 23 years old. This was during the Spaniard’s fifth season as a pro, and second at Spanish side Real Zaragoza. Initially, a sporadic member of the national team in his first year, Villa began to feature more regularly for La Roja after his first goal – the equalizer vs Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier – which came in his fourth cap.
Despite only 2 goals in 8 caps for his country, Villa had shown enough with his club form; netting 25 league goals in 2005/06 in his first season for Spanish giants Valencia. This led to the marksman’s call-up to Spain’s 2006 World Cup squad.
At the tournament, Villa played all 4 of Spain’s games, scoring 3 goals as La Roja exited the RO16 in a disappointing fashion. Playing in a strike partnership with Fernando Torres in a 4-3-1-2 formation, the pair scored 6 goals despite Spain’s quick exit, giving a glimpse of Spain’s offensive potential.
After the WC, Villa continued to score prolifically for Spain, scoring 9 goals in 18 appearances between 2006 and 2008. This consistency for the national team in addition to his ’06 WC performance guaranteed Villa’s place in Spain’s Euro 2008 squad.
Donning Spain’s #7 jersey at the Euros, Villa only played 4 of his country’s 6 games at the competition yet scored 4 goals in a clinical performance as Spain won their first piece of major silverware in over 15 years. Playing alongside Torres once again as strikers in a 4-4-2, the two Spaniards’ goals propelled Spain to European greatness for the first time since 1964.
Villa’s performance at Euro 2008 earned him the golden boot and a place in the team of the tournament, as well as iconic status in Spain. Spain’s Euros triumph also earned the Iberians Confederations Cup qualification, and Villa was called up to represent La Roja at the pre-WC competition.
At the tournament held in South Africa, Villa started all 5 of Spain’s games as the Euro champs only earned bronze in a disappointing team showing. Playing in attack with Torres in a 4-3-1-2, Villa had a fine individual tournament, netting 3 goals to earn himself a place in another team of the tournament.
Having scored frequently in all his major tournament appearances, Villa was then certain to start at the 2010 World Cup as a result. At the WC, Villa played a starring role, starting all 7 of Spain’s games as the Iberians won their first-ever World Cup. Playing either as the sole forward in a 4-3-3 or alongside Torres in a 4-4-2, Villa netted 5 goals to end as joint-top scorer in the competition.
He also scored important goals, with winning goals in the knockout rounds vs Portugal and Paraguay. The marksman’s goalscoring and fantastic overall performance earned him his third consecutive team of the tournament inclusion.
Despite 9 goals for Spain between 2011 and 2012, Villa missed out on Spain’s triumphant Euro 2012 campaign due to a fractured shin. However, he was certain to be called up for the 2013 Confederations Cup if fit. Villa recovered in time for selection, playing 3 of Spain’s 5 games at the tournament and scoring 3 goals as La Roja earned a silver medal for their efforts at the pre-WC tournament. Villa’s last major international tournament was the 2014 WC.
At the WC, Villa played only 1 of Spain’s 3 games as the Iberians shockingly exited the global tournament in the group stages. Playing as a left winger in a 4-3-3, Villa netted in his final World Cup appearance, scoring the first goal in a 3-0 win vs Australia. The marksman retired afterwards but returned briefly in 2017. His last cap came in September 2017 at the age of 35.
Spain’s all-time top scorer overall and in World Cup competition (9 goals), David Villa was one of the best attackers of his generation. A fantastic finisher with both feet, Villa’s movement and composure in the opposition area were also world-class.
Technically accomplished, Villa linked play and created chances for his teammates if required, as illustrated by his role as a winger at Barcelona during the Guardiola era. Due to his lack of physicality, the marksman was also a set-piece specialist. Villa ranks 5th on Valencia’s top scorers of all-time.
4. Sergio Ramos
Position: Defender
Caps: 180
Goals: 23
Spain’s most-capped player of all-time, Sergio Ramos is also one of the greatest footballers to ever play the sport. Ramos’ senior international debut came in March 2005 during his second season as a pro at boyhood club Sevilla; he was 18-years old at the time. Already regarded as a wonderkid at the time, Ramos had impressed playing for Spain’s U19 side as his performances at the 2004 U19 European Championships helped his country win the trophy.
Ramos became a regular in the La Roja setup immediately, amassing 7 caps in 2005 after his March debut. Paired with his growing international status was the defender also becoming a regular at Real Madrid after his move in 2005/06, as Ramos made 46 appearances that season.
As a result of his good overall form and quick development, Ramos was called up to Spain’s 2006 World Cup squad. At the WC, Ramos started 3 of Spain’s 4 games as La Roja only reached the RO16 in an average performance as a collective.
Then a right-back, Ramos played on the right side of defence in a 4-3-1-2 formation, keeping 1 clean sheet during the competition. After the WC, Ramos became a nailed-on starter in the national team.
The defender garnered 10 caps in 2007 alone and was still a regular starter for Real Madrid in 2007/08, guaranteeing his call-up to represent Spain at Euro 2008. At the Euros, Ramos started 5 of his country’s 6 games as La Roja won their first European Championship since 1964. Playing as right-back in a 4-4-2, Ramos helped Spain keep 3 clean sheets in a historic performance from the national team.
Ramos was called up for the 2009 Confederations Cup soon after, and opted to participate. At the CC, Ramos started 3 of Spain’s 5 games as La Roja earned a bronze medal for their efforts. Playing as a right-back in a 4-4-2, Spain kept a clean sheet in every game Ramos played in at the tournament. On June 2010, Ramos captained Spain for the first time vs South Korea in a friendly.
By 2010, Ramos had amassed 56 caps for La Roja and was still one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country, meaning his call-up to the 2010 WC was certain. At the WC, Ramos started all 7 of Spain’s games as the Iberians won their first-ever World Cup trophy. Played as the right-back in either a 4-3-3, 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, Ramos and the defence were resolute throughout the tournament, keeping 5 clean sheets along the way. As a result of his world-class displays at the WC, Ramos earned a place in the team of the tournament.
The Spaniard continued to be ever-present for La Roja after the WC triumph, though this period is when Ramos began to transition from right-back to centre-back. After 10 caps in 2011 and over 50 appearances for Real Madrid in 2011/12, Ramos was in good form going into Euro 2012.
At the Euros, he started all 6 of his nation’s games at the tournament as La Roja became the first nation to retain the continental trophy. Playing at the centre of defence in a 4-3-3, Ramos kept 5 clean sheets in a flawless overall display from player and team.
As a result of his seamless individual performances, Ramos was named in a team of the tournament once again. Afterwards, he opted to represent Spain at the CC in 2013. At the tournament, Ramos started all 5 of Spain’s games as the Iberians earned a silver medal for their exploits.
Playing as a centre-back in a 4-3-3, keeping 3 clean sheets as he marshalled the defence expertly throughout the competition. Ramos’ resolute performances at the back earned him another team of the tournament nod.
After 2012, Ramos became untouchable in the Spain setup. This carried on after the CC and into the 2014 WC, which Ramos was selected to represent Spain in.
The iconic defender came into the tournament having captained Real Madrid to their first Champions League triumph in over a decade. At the WC, Ramos started all 3 of Spain’s games as La Roja were bounced out of the group stages in an embarrassing defence of their world title.
Euro 2016 was the first tournament Ramos participated in as captain of Spain. At the tournament, Ramos played all 4 of his sides games as La Roja exited in the RO16 stage in disappointing fashion. Playing as a centre-back in a 4-3-3. Ramos and the defence were not at fault for the poor overall performance, keeping 2 clean sheets and performing well generally. Ramos’ last international tournament as of present was the 2018 WC.
At the WC, Ramos captained Spain in all 4 of their games at the tournament, keeping only 1 clean sheet as La Roja only reached RO16 for the second consecutive international tournament.
Aged 35, Ramos is yet to retire from international duty, but was left out of Euro 2020 due to fitness issues in 2020/21. A versatile footballer who was world class in two positions, Sergio Ramos only seemed to get better with age.
Originally a marauding a right-back, Ramos developed his game into being a dominant ball-playing centre-back midway through his career, before his final form as an all-round, goal-scoring, set-piece taking whilst still defensively solid, ball-playing centre-back.
All this illustrates Ramos’ technical brilliance, which was often paired with his superior physicality. An aggressive player, Ramos holds the record for most cards in La Liga history (191) and most red cards (20). His 24 yellow cards for La Roja also make him the most carded player in national team history.
The Spaniard also ranks joint-eighth all-time for goals scored for La Roja, an incredulous record for a defender. Ramos is a player for the clutch moments, and one of the best to ever kick pigskin.
5. Fernando Torres
Position: Striker
Caps: 110
Goals: 38
Fernando Torres scored the goal which secured Spain’s first international trophy in the 21st century; evidently a historic moment, that goal also secured Torres’ place in Spanish football history.
The striker’s senior international debut came in September 2003 at the age of 19; Torres was in his fourth season as a pro at boyhood club Atletico Madrid. Even before he was brought into the senior national fold, Torres was seen as a future star.
The hype was due to Torres winning the U16 and U19 European Championships whilst in the Spanish youth setup, finishing as both top scorer and player of the tournament in both.
Torres’ fantastic form for the Spain’s youth setup paired with good club form – he scored 13 league goals in 2002/03 at 18-years old – ensured he was called up to represent Spain at a young age.
Torres started slow, netting only 1 goal in his first 6 caps for La Roja. His club form continued to improve though, as he scored 19 league goals for Atletico Madrid in 2003/04. As a result of his excellent club form, Torres was called up to represent Spain at Euro 2004.
At the Euros, Torres played all 3 of Spain’s games as La Roja crashed out of the group stages in a disappointing collective showing. Torres, already Spain’s #9 then, went scoreless at the tournament. Torres’ breakthrough year for La Furia Roja came in the next year, as the marksman netted 8 goals in 12 caps in 2005; scoring regularly for his country for the first time.
He also continued to hit double figures for Atletico year-on-year, meaning his place in Spain’s 2006 World Cup squad was set.
Torres played all 4 of Spain’s games (3 starts) at the tournament, scoring 3 goals as the Iberians reached the RO16 in an average collective showing.
Playing in a 4-3-1-2 with David Villa as his strike partner, Torres had a fantastic tournament. Yet, this was only a smidge of his potential. Afterwards, Torres had a dry spell for La Roja, scoring only 1 goal in 6 caps in 2007. He continued to shine on club level though, scoring 24 league goals in 2007/08 for new club and English giants, Liverpool.
As Spain’s #9, Torres was always likely to be called up for Euro 2008. However, his fantastic form for Liverpool and performance at the 2006 WC guaranteed his call-up.
Torres at Euro 2008
At the Euros, Torres played 5 of Spain’s 6 games, scoring twice as La Roja went all the way to their second-ever Euros triumph. Playing in a 4-4-2 alongside Villa once again, Torres scored the sole goal of the final, deftly chipping the ball over Jens Lehmann to secure the win for Spain.
Scoring the winner in the Euros triumph certified Torres as a legend in Spanish football, and he also earned himself a place in the Euro 2008 team of the tournament.
Soon afterwards, Torres was called to represent La Roja at the 2009 Confederations Cup. At the tournament, Torres started all 5 of his country’s games, scoring 3 goals as La Roja earned a bronze medal. His 3 goals all came in one game, as Torres scored a hat-trick vs New Zealand during the group stages. The strikers’ displays earned him a place in the 2009 CC team of the tournament.
After doing so well at the Confederations Cup, Torres was sure to be picked in Spain’s 2010 WC squad. His 18 league goals for Liverpool in 2009/10 certainly didn’t hurt either.
At the WC, Torres started all 7 of his nation’s games, going scoreless in a below-par showing individually. However, he played a huge part in Spain’s first-ever WC triumph regardless as he was ever-present throughout
2011 was another dry spell for the Spaniard, as he only scored 1 goal in his 9 appearances for Spain. Still, if fit, he was always going to form part of Spain’s Euro 2012 squad.
As he was fit, Torres was called up. The marksman started 5 of his side’s 6 games at the tournament, scoring 3 times as La Roja retained their continental trophy, becoming the first country to achieve the feat.
One of Torres’ goals came in the 4-0 final win vs Italy, meaning Torres became the first player to score in 2 Euros finals. He also won the golden boot at the tournament.
The striker was called up to represent Spain at the 2013 CC soon afterwards, which he agreed to. At the tournament, Torres scored 5 goals in 4 games as Spain earned a silver medal in an improved performance from the last CC.
The striker became the first player to score 4 goals in 1 game at the tournament, as well as the first to score two hat-tricks in the CC generally. Torres’ dazzling individual performance earned him the golden shoe as top scorer of the CC, as well as a place in the team of the tournament.
Torres’ last major international tournament was the 2014 WC. He played all 3 of Spain’s games at the tournament, scoring once as La Roja crashed out of the group stages in a humiliating showing for team and nation.
The marksman then retired from international football after the WC. Torres’ last game saw him score his last goal for Spain; the second goal in the 3-0 win vs Australia in the final group game.
A complete #9, Fernando Torres at his best was capable of anything on the football field. Blessed with fantastic finishing with both feet as well as his head, Torres also possessed inherent spatial awareness, which meant he was often at the right place at the right time.
His speed was deceptive in nature and standing at 6 feet and 1 inch, the striker could handle himself against any defender.
Torres’ most underrated quality was his work rate, as he pressed defenders relentlessly before it became more commonplace. Torres ranks 3rd all-time in goals scored for Spain.
Honorable Mentions:
Xavi, Telmo Zarra, Raul, Carles Puyol, Estanislau Basora Brunet, Luis Suarez, Amancio, David Silva, Chus Perada, Antonio Maceda, Fernando Hierro, Sergio Busquets, Andoni Zubizarreta, Cesc Fabregas and Emilio Butragueno.
Check out the next generation of Spanish footballers trying to emulate their heroes mentioned above!
