Who are the Best Spanish Midfielders Ever in History

Midfielders are the heartbeat of any football team. Spanish football has been blessed with some of the best midfielders of all time. Since the beginning of the 2000s, Spain tried to implement a new style of play that could make the fans find art in football. Their national football team coach, Luis Aragones, also felt the need for a possession-based play which could allow the midfielders upper hands to dictate the terms of the play.

This new midfield-oriented style of play led Spain to the 2008 Euro glory. Since then, world football has witnessed the rich legacies of the best Spanish midfielders. Legendary playmakers like Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Michel and Xabi Alonso have redefined the usage of the midfield area through their calm and composed play.

In Spain, the history of producing the best midfielders dates back to the late 80s; they have had some of the greatest midfielders in football. On that note, let’s talk about the greatest Spanish midfielders ever to wear the boots in the history of football.

Ranking Factors

• Career Longevity: The entire career span or active years of the midfielder is the first criterion for the rankings.
• Success: Sucess with the Spanish men’s senior national team, including the number of titles and trophies.
• Individual achievements: Indiviudal achievements, accolades and statistical figures like goals, assists and games.

Best Spanish Midfielders in Football History (Ranked)

10. Michel

Many fans are not aware of this name, but Michel is one of the greatest Spanish midfielders. He was an integral part of “La Quinta del Buitre,” meaning he was one of the special five talents to come through the youth ranks of Real Madrid. A playmaker, he was immensely popular for his deadly curling crosses and his ability to win over opponents in tight spaces. He became a bona fide figure in Madrid, playing a pivotal role in winning five consecutive La Liga titles for Los Blancos from 1985 to 1990. The midfielder recorded 21 goals in 66 games and was once termed the best Spanish midfielder during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

9. Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique is known today as one of the top football managers on earth, but his contribution to football extends beyond his managerial skills. He was once a decorated Spanish midfielder known for his exquisite dribbling and passing talents. The ex-Spanish team coach was one of the few players to play for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, his time at Camp Nou guided him to glory and popularity as a midfielder. He later became an integral part of the Spanish team, winning 62 caps in his career. Enrique finished his international career with 12 goals, but his extraordinary spell as a midfielder cannot be defined only by goals.

8. Luis Suarez

If you want to be a deep-lying midfielder, then you must watch the video clips of Luis Suarez Miramontes. The former midfielder represented Barcelona and Inter Milan in the 1950s and 1960s where he marked his name on the legendary list of the Spanish midfielders through his exceptional performance. He was so good at creating attacking moves that he was given the nickname El Arquitecto. Suarez is still the only Spanish player to have lifted the Ballon d’Or trophy. In his eventful international career, he led Spain to the 1964 European Nations Cup. Before bowing out of football, he managed 14 strikes in 32 games.

7. David Silva

David Silva has left a legacy so rich that it still inspires young Spanish midfielders. He justified the talent tag associated with his name when he represented Manchester City in the Premier League. Emerging through the ranks at Valencia, Silva burst onto the scene at the Etihad Stadium and was instrumental in City’s 2012 Premier League victory. Silva could not shine much during the beginning of his international career, but he later showcased exemplary displays in Spain’s 2008 and 2012 European Championship glories. He scored the winning goal in the 2012 Euro final against Italy.

6. Rodri

Rodri is the next best Spanish midfielder pick on our list. When the Spanish international was playing for Atletico Madrid, he was regarded as an average midfielder. But a move to Manchester City in 2019 changed the life of the 28-year-old playmaker, and he is now one of the favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or gong. He is a standout figure in the modern generation of Spanish midfield with over 50 international caps to his name. Rodri helped City win the club’s historic treble in 2023. He has also won the UEFA Nations League and Euro with Spain and is considered by many as the perfect successor to Sergio Busquets.

5. Cesc Fabregas

Every time the best Spanish midfielders of all time are discussed, the name of Cesc Fabregas will be mentioned. He lifted the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the ultimate glory, the 2010 FIFA World Cup title. Cesc Fabregas had played for some of the big clubs in Europe, such as Barcelona and Arsenal. In a decorated international career that spanned ten years, he played in more than 100 games.

4. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets is one of the best midfielders in the history of football. Since his promotion to the Barcelona senior team in 2008, he rose quickly above other midfielders in the Spanish team as well. He was the epitome of a perfect defensive midfielder. Busquets spent 16 years at Barcelona, having played more than 480 games in La Liga. He was a crucial part in Barcelona’s sextuple-winning season. He is hailed as one of the greatest holding midfielders of this generation.

3. Xabi Alonso

One of the great passers of the ball, Xabi Alonso, won it all with Spain on the international level. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid legend was Mr. Dependable in the middle of the park for the Spanish Armada. Emerging through the ranks of Real Sociedad, Alonso hit new heights during his stints at Santiago Bernabeu and Anfield. La Liga, FA Cup, and Copa del Rey- he won them all. Xabi made 144 appearances for the Spanish team and is regarded as one the best ever to wear the Spanish colors.

2. Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is in the second position on the list of the greatest Spanish midfielders ever. Before leaving Barcelona, he won four Champions League and eight La Liga titles. He was arguably the best midfielder alongside his partner Andres Iniesta in La Liga and is still considered the greatest midfielder of all time by many fans. One of the best midfielders to have played the game, Xavi is widely respected for his skills and phenomenal career with the Blaugrana.

1. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is arguably the best playmaker in the history of Spanish football. He scored perhaps the most crucial goal in the history of the Spanish football team, smashing the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands. One of the most talented players in La Liga, Iniesta won the Player of the Tournament award in the 2012 European Championship. He also won two trebles with the Catalan outfit. For Spain, Iniesta won over a staggering 130 International caps. The midfielder won it all and cemented his place as the greatest Spanish midfielder.

List of Best Spanish Midfielders in Football History