La Liga have officially announced their Team of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign, featuring a star-studded 19-man squad composed of a starting eleven and eight substitutes. The announcement has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts, with notable inclusions and surprising omissions generating discussion across social media platforms. The team is constructed in a 4-3-3 formation and is dominated by players from Spain’s elite clubs, with Barcelona and Real Madrid well represented throughout the squad.
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The Starting Eleven Configuration
The 2025-26 La Liga Team of the Season reflects a successful season for the league’s top performers, showcasing exceptional individual displays across all positions. Barcelona’s championship-winning campaign has been recognized with six players earning places in the prestigious squad, while Real Madrid’s strong performances have resulted in four players making the cut. The selections highlight the dominance of Spain’s two biggest clubs, though standout performers from Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, Mallorca, and Espanyol have also earned recognition for their outstanding individual seasons.
The announcement comes as Barcelona celebrated their second consecutive La Liga title following a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Catalan club’s success under manager Hansi Flick has been underscored by the quality of their players, numerous of whom have been recognized in this year’s Team of the Season. Barcelona’s dominance in the selection reflects their sustained excellence throughout the domestic campaign.
The starting eleven is organized in a 4-3-3 attacking formation, designed to showcase the league’s most effective players across all positions. The structure reflects modern football’s emphasis on balanced attacking and defensive contributions from midfield players, with creativity and goal-scoring prowess prominently featured throughout the lineup.
In goal, Barcelona’s Joan García earns the goalkeeper position following a breakthrough campaign with the Blaugrana. The 25-year-old Spanish goalkeeper joined Barcelona from Espanyol during the previous summer transfer window and has enjoyed a dream debut season at the club. García is on track to win the Zamora Trophy, awarded to La Liga’s goalkeeper with the lowest goals-against average, and is set to represent Spain at the World Cup. His inclusion in the Team of the Season reflects his consistent and commanding performances throughout the campaign.
The defensive line comprises four players: Eric García from Barcelona, Sergiño Dest, Marcos Llorente from Atlético Madrid, and Carlos Romero from Espanyol. Eric García has proven to be a versatile and invaluable asset for Barcelona, excelling at center-back, right-back, and even in defensive midfield roles. His leadership qualities and consistency have made him instrumental in Flick’s defensive setup. The inclusion of Llorente and Romero recognizes their impressive and consistent performances in their respective roles throughout the season.
The midfield trio features Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, alongside Barcelona’s Pedri. Pedri has been widely recognized as the best midfielder in La Liga and arguably the world currently. The Spanish midfielder has demonstrated exceptional technical ability, vision, and defensive skill, functioning as the orchestrator of Barcelona’s attacking plays. His ability to control matches and execute decisive passes has made him one of Hansi Flick’s most important pieces. Valverde has contributed significantly with five goals and eight assists from 32 league matches, while Tchouameni has been a consistent and reliable presence in Madrid’s midfield throughout the season.
The attacking line is completed by Kylian Mbappé leading the line for Real Madrid, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi occupying the flanking positions. Mbappé currently leads the La Liga scoring charts with 24 goals from 28 matches, along with four assists, despite being hampered by injuries throughout the campaign. Yamal has enjoyed a brilliant season with 16 goals and 12 assists from 28 league matches, demonstrating his exceptional maturity and consistency for a young player. Muriqi has scored 22 goals, positioning him second in the league’s scoring standings and establishing himself as one of the season’s most prolific strikers.
La Liga Team of the Season 2025-26 Starting XI
| Formation | 4-3-3 | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Joan García (Barcelona) | Zamora Trophy contender |
| Left Back | Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid) | Consistent defending |
| Center-Back | Eric García (Barcelona) | Versatile defender/midfielder |
| Center-Back | Sergiño Dest | Defensive presence |
| Right Back | Carlos Romero (Espanyol) | Impressive consistency |
| Left Midfielder | Pedri (Barcelona) | Best midfielder in La Liga |
| Central Midfielder | Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid) | Reliable presence, 1 goal, 31 appearances |
| Right Midfielder | Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) | 5 goals, 8 assists, 32 appearances |
| Left Winger | Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) | 16 goals, 12 assists, 28 appearances |
| Striker | Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) | La Liga top scorer with 24 goals |
| Right Winger | Vedat Muriqi (Mallorca) | 22 goals, second in scoring |
Bench and Substitutes Recognition
The eight substitutes recognize additional standout performers who have contributed significantly to their teams’ success throughout the season. Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí and Raphinha earn places among the substitutes, along with Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. Cubarsí’s inclusion as a substitute has raised some eyebrows among analysts, considering that the teenager has been one of the best defensive performers in La Liga throughout the campaign. His defensive composure, positioning, and physical presence have made him a standout talent despite his age.
Raphinha’s inclusion, despite being hampered by injuries throughout the season, recognizes his attacking output of 11 goals and three assists from 21 league matches. The Brazilian winger’s injury struggles have limited his involvement, yet he has still managed to contribute significantly when available. Courtois earns recognition for his brilliant performances in goal, though he loses the starting position to Joan García, who has overtaken him in the Zamora Trophy race.
Top Scorers in La Liga 2025-26
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | 24 | 4 | 28 |
| 2 | Vedat Muriqi | Mallorca | 22 | – | – |
| 3 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 16 | 12 | 28 |
| 4+ | Various players | Various clubs | Variable | Variable | Variable |
Notable Omissions and Controversy
The announcement has generated considerable debate regarding notable omissions from the squad. Fermín López’s absence has been questioned by many, particularly given his consistent performances in Barcelona’s midfield throughout the campaign. Other notable exclusions include players from various clubs who believe they deserved recognition based on their individual displays.
Most prominently, there is no place in the 19-man squad for Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar. His omission has sparked significant discussion among fans, with some viewing it as a surprising decision given his profile and importance to Madrid’s season. The decision likely reflects the squad’s tactical composition and the exceptional performances of other attacking players, though it remains a talking point among supporters.
Team Composition and Club Representation
Barcelona’s dominance in the selection underscores their successful 2025-26 campaign, with six players earning recognition. Real Madrid’s four representatives acknowledge their competitive performances, while individual standouts from other clubs ensure the Team of the Season represents the league’s true elite performers. The recognition of players from Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, Mallorca, and Espanyol reflects the depth of talent across La Liga’s competitive landscape.
Club Representation Breakdown
| Club | Starting XI Players | Substitutes | Total Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Joan García, Eric García, Pedri, Lamine Yamal | Pau Cubarsí, Raphinha | 6 players |
| Real Madrid | Aurélien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappé | Thibaut Courtois | 4 players |
| Atlético Madrid | Marcos Llorente | Additional substitutes | 1+ players |
| Villarreal | Mourino (Defence) | Additional substitutes | 1+ players |
| Mallorca | Vedat Muriqi | Additional substitutes | 1 player |
| Espanyol | Carlos Romero | Additional substitutes | 1 player |
| Other Clubs | Sergiño Dest | Other substitutes | Multiple |
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FAQs
How many players were named in La Liga’s Team of the Season?
La Liga selected a 19-man Team of the Season for 20255How many Barcelona players made the team?26.
How many Barcelona players made the team?
FC Barcelona had six players included in the squad.
Who is La Liga’s top scorer this season?
Kylian Mbappé leads the scoring charts with 24 league goals.
Why was Vinícius Jr. left out?
Vinícius Júnior missed out due to competition for attacking spots in the selected system.
What has Joan García achieved this season?
Joan García is on course to win the Zamora Trophy for best goals-against average.
