News Focus
- Joan Garcia wins the Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper after saving 11 expected goals for Barcelona.
- Four Barcelona stars make the elite selection, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal with 42 goal contributions.
- Midtable clubs provide unexpected heroes, with Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe players earning podium spots.
- Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill represent Atletico Madrid after strong defensive displays.
- The selection highlights the tight competition in the middle of the table during the 2025-26 campaign.
The 2025-26 La Liga season has ended with a star-studded Best XI announcement. Four players from champions Barcelona headline the selection. However, the team also celebrates heroes from smaller clubs who punched above their weight.
Joan Garcia stands between the posts after claiming his first Zamora Trophy. The Barcelona keeper prevented 11 expected goals this term. His value showed clearly during October and November. When injuries kept him out, the Catalan side conceded over half a goal more per match. His replacement could not match his stunning saves.
In defence, Marcos Llorente takes the right-back spot. The Atletico Madrid man combines electric pace with endless stamina. He defends with power and drives forward constantly. Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano takes second place after converting from winger to full-back. Marc Pubill partners him in the centre. The Atletico defender produced heroic displays against Barcelona and Arsenal in knockout ties. He proved he belongs at the highest level.
Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona claims second spot among centre-backs. The 17-year-old grew stronger as the season progressed. Rayo’s 34-year-old captain earns top billing at centre-back. He used his body cleverly to balance physical play with fair tackles. His clean tackles kept the Madrid club in European contention and took them to a cup final.
Carlos Romero of Espanyol wins the left-back race. He scored three goals and provided six assists. The defender improved his positioning while offering threat in attack. He can cross early, cut inside or reach the by-line.
Midfield belongs to Barcelona’s Pedri. The Spanish international dictates the tempo with clever touches. He waits for teammates to move, then finds the perfect angle. Barcelona lost half of their ten defeats when he did not start. Fermin Lopez earns the attacking midfield spot. Despite playing various roles, he scored 13 goals and made 17 assists. He produced one contribution every 92 minutes. He also worked hard defensively when injuries hit Gavi and Raphinha.
Mauro Arambarri of Getafe claims the defensive midfield position. He provided 10 assists in a side that scored only 32 goals. His strike secured European football for the modest club. Koke Resurreccion finishes second after rolling back the years for Atletico.
Lamine Yamal dominates the right wing category. The teenager provided 42 goal contributions in 45 matches. Critics once claimed he could not beat defenders. Now he leads Barcelona’s attack and drives their Champions League ambitions. Arda Guler of Real Madrid takes second place with 14 assists despite limited starts.