Rodri, Yamal, Carvajal and the 10 best Spanish players of 2024

Spain has long been a fertile ground for football artistry, producing legends who have redefined the game. From the tiki-taka dominance of Xavi and Iniesta to the defensive masterclass of Sergio Ramos, the Spanish football narrative is filled with absolute class.. 

In more recent years, a new wave of talent is carrying La Roja’s legacy into the modern era. At the heart of this resurgence are names like Rodri, a midfield general commanding Manchester City and Spain with surgical precision and Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy who effortlessly keeps fans all over the world on the edge of their seats.

Both Rodri and Yamal are part of a select few, who have enjoyed a spectacular year. In this article, Soccernet.football takes a look at the top ten Spanish players of 2024.

10. Pedri (Barcelona)

The highly intelligent 22-year-old is always a joy to watch whether in Barcelona or La Roja colours. Pedri has continued to solidify his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world with his performances for both club and country. And while he didn’t register any goal contributions during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, he was absolutely crucial to the way Luis de la Fuente’s team played.

9. Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)

Grimaldo has enjoyed an incredible year, both in terms of personal performance and team trophies. The 29-year-old defender may not have contributed much to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory but his 30 goal involvements helped Leverkusen coast to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. This season, he has contributed to 11 goals in 22 appearances.

8. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Cucurella was a decent performer for Chelsea despite their struggles last season. However, the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender operated on a whole different level for Spain at the European Championships in Germany. Cucurella starred throughout the tournament with his assist in the final, leading to Spain’s winning goal. So far this season, he has continued to display impressive form for his club.

7. Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)

Ruiz has blossomed into a superb midfielder at Paris Saint-Germain, becoming a key figure in the middle of the park alongside Vitinha. His technicality and ability to dictate the tempo of matches were instrumental in helping PSG retain their Ligue 1 title. His ability to control games from the middle of the park came to the fore at the European Championships where he stood out as one of their most outstanding players throughout the tournament.

6. Alvaro Morata (AC Milan)

The 32-year-old striker enjoyed a fantastic campaign in front of goal for Atletico Madrid in the 2023/2024 season before going on to captain Spain to glory at the European Championships in Germany over the summer. Morata has since swapped Milan for Madrid, however, he hasn’t quite enjoyed the same level of form he had earlier in the year. Nevertheless, he remains one of Spain’s best players over the past year.

5. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)

Since returning to Barcelona over the summer, Olmo has become a crucial creative force for Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana. His vision and ability to unlock defenses have revitalized the Catalans’ attacking play, contributing to their terrific start to life under Flick earlier in the season. On the international front, Olmo versatility allowed him to shine as both a playmaker and a goal threat, making him La Roja’s impact player as they strutted to Euro 2024 glory in Germany.

4. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Williams emerged as one of Spain’s hottest properties last season, as he terrorized defenses with his blistering pace and dribbling. His tally of eight goals and 16 assists helped Athletic remain competitive in La Liga, while he scored twice and turned provider for another during Spain’s incredible Euros triumph. Williams passed up the chance to leave San Mames during the summer despite being one of the most sought-after talents on the market and he has continued to shine for his boyhood club this season.

3. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

The 32-year-old defender enjoyed a stellar year for both club and country, having played a crucial role for Madrid as they coasted to their 36th and 15th La Liga and Champions League titles respectively. Carvajal also starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, with one goal and assist apiece to his name. His phenomenal 2023/2024 campaign earned him recognition at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony as he finished very high on the final rankings. Unfortunately for Carvajal, his season has been halted by a cruciate ligament injury which will keep him out of action until September 2025.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Yamal has taken the world by storm in the past year so it is no surprise that he places this high on our list. Having burst onto the scene from Barcelona’s La Masia last season, the then 16-year-old showed glimpses of his incredible talent before going on to announce himself as a fully-fledged superstar at Euro 2024. He scored once and provided four assists to earn himself the Best Young Player of the Tournament Award as well as a winners’ medal.

1. Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri’s 2024 Ballon d’Or triumph makes him the undisputed best Spanish player of the year 2024. The 28-year-old anchored City’s midfield as they dislodged Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to win an unprecedented fourth title in a row. He was also the engine room of La Roja’s midfield throughout their Euro 2024 campaign. Manchester City’s disastrous change in fortunes shortly after Rodri’s ACL injury is a testament of the Spaniard’s importance for the English Champions.