Top 10 Favourite Players to Win La Liga Player of the Season (2024/25)

The 2024/25 La Liga season has unfolded as a captivating spectacle, a relentless three-way dance for supremacy involving the titans of Spanish football: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. The razor-thin margins separating these formidable clubs at the summit of the league table have only amplified the drama and intrigue, ensuring that the title race remains a fiercely contested affair as the season progresses. Amidst this intense battle for team glory, individual brilliance has illuminated Spain’s top flight week after week, showcasing the exceptional talent that graces the league.

This season has witnessed the emergence of exciting new talents alongside the continued excellence of established stars. From electrifying breakout teenagers defying expectations to seasoned campaigners demonstrating enduring class, a select group of ten players has left an indelible personal impression on the 2024/25 La Liga campaign. This ranking does not solely rely on cold, hard statistics; instead, it seeks to recognize those players who have stood out with their commanding presence on the pitch, consistently impactful performances, and captivating personality that resonates with fans. Notably, several prominent names within the league have been surpassed in this list, highlighting the exceptional displays of those who have risen to the occasion.

The prestigious La Liga Player of the Season award serves as a testament to individual excellence within the context of team success. Last season, the coveted accolade was rightfully bestowed upon Jude Bellingham for his sensational debut campaign, where his remarkable tally of 19 goals and six assists in 28 league appearances captivated audiences and propelled Real Madrid’s title aspirations. However, the beauty of this award lies in its ever-shifting focus, with the spotlight invariably illuminating new talents and recognizing outstanding contributions each season. The selection process typically weighs a combination of individual performance metrics, statistical output, and the player’s influence on their club’s overall standing in the league.

As the race for the 2024/25 La Liga Player of the Season intensifies, let’s delve into the ten players who are currently considered the leading contenders for this prestigious individual honor, counting down from the tenth favourite to the player currently occupying the top spot.

10. Iñigo Martínez – FC Barcelona

A name that might raise a few eyebrows upon initial glance, Iñigo Martínez has emerged as a quietly influential figure in the heart of FC Barcelona’s defense under the guidance of their manager, Flick. While the emergence of young talent Pau Cubarsí has garnered significant attention, Martínez’s consistent reliability and commanding presence at the back have arguably made him the standout performer in his position for the Blaugrana. A natural leader whose signing many Barcelona faithful believe was overdue, Martínez has showcased his undeniable class throughout the campaign. His contributions extend beyond his defensive duties, having provided three assists in La Liga. Defensively, he averages an impressive 3.6 clearances per game, boasts a formidable 65% aerial duel success rate, and exhibits remarkable composure in possession with a stellar 91% pass completion rate. With a commendable average match rating of 7.41, Martínez has been the epitome of a smart, composed presence, playing a crucial role in stabilizing a relatively young Barcelona backline.

9. Vinícius Jr. – Real Madrid

Following the disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri, Vinícius Jr., while still a formidable force, hasn’t quite replicated the breathtaking heights of his previous season. Nevertheless, the electrifying Brazilian winger remains one of La Liga’s most feared attacking threats. With a commendable tally of 11 goals and five assists to his name, his directness, explosive pace, and undeniable flair continue to inject crucial width and unpredictability into Real Madrid’s dynamic front line. Statistically, he has completed an impressive 66 successful dribbles in La Liga, created 45 goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates, and holds a solid average match rating of 7.50, underscoring his continued importance to Los Blancos’ attacking endeavors.

8. Álex Baena – Villarreal

Often flying somewhat under the radar, Álex Baena has quietly orchestrated an outstanding campaign for Villarreal, establishing himself as one of the most underrated creative forces in Spanish football. The gifted 23-year-old midfielder has been the chief chance creator in La Liga this season, having conjured up an impressive 84 goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Furthermore, he ranks third in the league for the most big chances created, with a remarkable 17. Predominantly operating on the left flank, Baena’s exceptional set-piece delivery and astute vision have been instrumental in Villarreal’s attacking output, solidifying his reputation as one of the most technically gifted players currently plying their trade in the league.

7. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

While Federico Valverde’s contributions might not always be reflected in eye-catching statistics, his importance to Real Madrid’s midfield engine room is virtually unparalleled. The tireless Uruguayan international has been a near-constant presence in Real Madrid’s lineup this season, consistently demonstrating his reliability and versatility. He boasts an impressive pass completion rate of over 90%, wins a commendable 62% of his tackles, and has also chipped in with five goals and three assists. Valverde’s relentless work rate, exceptional tactical discipline, and remarkable ability to seamlessly adapt to various roles within the midfield make him one of the most dependable and invaluable players in La Liga.

6. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Building upon his sensational debut season, Jude Bellingham has continued to impress, prompting some observers to label him as one of the premier midfielders in world football. Operating in a more advanced role under Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup this season, the dynamic English international has contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, having scored eight league goals and provided seven assists. His intelligent late runs into the penalty area, imposing physicality, and remarkable composure under pressure have endeared him to the Real Madrid faithful and established him as a genuine match-winner. Furthermore, his impressive duel success rate of 59% underscores his all-around impact and effectiveness in the midfield battle.

5. Robert Lewandowski – FC Barcelona

The veteran Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, has enjoyed a stellar campaign, arguably surpassing his impressive performances from the previous season. At the age of 36, Lewandowski continues to defy his years, currently leading the La Liga scoring charts with an impressive 25 goals, alongside two assists. His exceptional movement off the ball and uncanny positional awareness remain elite attributes. He averages a remarkable 3.5 shots per 90 minutes, consistently posing a significant threat to opposition defenses. Despite his prolific goal-scoring record, Lewandowski has occasionally faced criticism from his own supporters, highlighting the demanding expectations at a club of Barcelona’s stature. Nevertheless, his wealth of experience has proven invaluable in tight, high-pressure matches, particularly with a relatively young supporting cast around him.

4. Pedri – FC Barcelona

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted midfielders in La Liga, Pedri exudes a class and composure reminiscent of his idol, the legendary Andrés Iniesta. His exceptional ability to dictate the tempo of a game, thread intricate passes in congested areas, and possess an innate understanding of spatial awareness is arguably unmatched among his midfield counterparts in the league. This season, Pedri has contributed four goals and four assists, created an impressive 51 goal-scoring opportunities, completed 30 successful dribbles, and boasts an outstanding 88% pass accuracy – remarkable statistics for a midfielder operating in the heart of the action. His unique blend of technical brilliance and statistical output solidifies his claim as arguably the best midfielder in La Liga.

3. Raphinha – FC Barcelona

Enjoying what is arguably the finest season of his professional career, Raphinha has delivered some truly impressive numbers for FC Barcelona in La Liga. The dynamic Brazilian winger has contributed significantly to Barcelona’s attacking endeavors, registering 13 goals and eight assists. Often stepping up in crucial encounters, his relentless work rate down the right flank, coupled with his often-underappreciated defensive contributions, makes him a vital asset for the Blaugrana. Statistically, he has created an impressive 75 goal-scoring opportunities, ranking second in the league, and has also created 23 big chances, alongside completing 42 successful dribbles. Raphinha’s consistent high-level performances firmly establish him as one of the leading candidates for the prestigious Player of the Season award.

2. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated arrival at Real Madrid has not only lived up to the considerable hype but has also seen him quickly assert his dominance within a star-studded squad. Despite joining a team brimming with talent, the French superstar has already amassed an impressive 33 goals and five assists across all competitions, with 22 of those goals coming in La Liga, placing him just three behind the league’s top scorer, Robert Lewandowski. His burgeoning chemistry with Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham has forged a ruthlessly efficient attacking trident for Real Madrid. Mbappé’s remarkable average of 4.6 shots per game is the highest in the league, underscoring his constant threat to opposition defenses. His blistering pace, exceptional decision-making in the final third, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net from virtually anywhere on the pitch make him a perpetual danger.

1. Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona

At the remarkably tender age of just 17, Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the most electrifying and captivating talents in La Liga. The prodigious teenager has already accumulated an impressive six goals and 11 assists in the league this season, remarkably leading La Liga in assists and ranking second among the top five European leagues in this crucial metric. However, his impact transcends mere statistical output. Yamal’s extraordinary composure in the final third, his fearless willingness to take on and beat defenders, and his sheer maturity belies his youthful years, making him a must-watch spectacle every week. Notably, Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles in the top five European leagues, with a staggering 123. He has also created 51 goal-scoring opportunities, holds the distinction of creating the most big chances in La Liga with 23, and has remarkably won 50 fouls in the league, the most by any wide player of his age by a significant margin. Lamine Yamal is not merely a glimpse into the future of Barcelona; he is already a pivotal figure in their present, making him a leading favourite to be crowned the La Liga Player of the Season.