La Liga remains one of the toughest and most competitive leagues in the world. While flair and youth often grab the headlines, experience continues to be the backbone of many successful teams. In this article, we look at the top 10 players with the most La Liga appearances who are still active in Spain’s top flight. These veterans have shown remarkable consistency, loyalty, and endurance throughout their careers.
10. Inaki Williams
Inaki Williams has been a reliable and consistent force for Athletic Bilbao since making his debut. The forward made headlines for his incredible run of consecutive appearances, featuring in every La Liga game for six straight seasons. While that streak ended in 2022/23, he continues to be a crucial figure for the Basque club. All of his La Liga appearances have come for Athletic, and at just 30, he’s likely to climb higher in this list of La Liga appearances.
9. Isco
Isco first caught attention at Malaga during their famous Champions League campaign, which earned him a move to Real Madrid. He went on to make 246 La Liga appearances for the capital club across nine seasons. Following spells at Sevilla and now Real Betis, Isco is enjoying a revival. His creativity and flair continue to contribute in midfield, keeping his tally of La Liga appearances climbing steadily.
8. Iago Aspas
Iago Aspas may be remembered in England for his short stint at Liverpool, but in La Liga, he’s a goal-scoring legend. After a brief spell at Sevilla, Aspas returned to Celta Vigo where he’s since become their all-time great. Known for his leadership and finishing, Aspas has nearly 200 league goals. His La Liga appearances showcase his loyalty and importance to Celta over the years.
7. Luka Modric
Luka Modric arrived at Real Madrid in 2012 and has since become one of the greatest midfielders in La Liga history. Even though he joined the league just before turning 27, his consistency and longevity have seen him rack up nearly 400 La Liga appearances. Modric remains a dependable presence in midfield, contributing both on and off the pitch for Real Madrid.
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6. Raul Albiol
Raul Albiol has had a long and storied career in La Liga, beginning with Valencia in 2005. He later moved to Real Madrid and currently plays for Villarreal. Remarkably, despite spending six seasons in Italy with Napoli, Albiol is still among the top active players for La Liga appearances. His experience at the back continues to be a key asset for Villarreal.
5. Inigo Martinez
Inigo Martinez broke into the top flight with Real Sociedad in 2011. In 2018, he switched Basque loyalties to join Athletic Club, where he became a key figure. After joining Barcelona in 2023, he has battled injuries but still features regularly under Hansi Flick. His La Liga appearances reflect his consistent level and adaptability across different systems.
4. Oscar de Marcos
Oscar de Marcos has been a one-club man for the majority of his career, serving Athletic Bilbao with dedication since his debut in 2009. A versatile and tireless performer, he was part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Europa League finalist squad in 2012. De Marcos has surpassed 500 total appearances for Athletic, with 430 in La Liga, making him one of the most loyal players in the league.
3. Koke
Koke has been central to Atletico Madrid’s midfield for over a decade. A product of their youth system, he helped lead the team to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021. Now the club captain, Koke’s intelligence, passing, and leadership have made him a core figure under Diego Simeone. His La Liga appearances continue to grow as he remains a regular starter at 33.
2. Dani Parejo
Dani Parejo began at Real Madrid’s academy but made his name elsewhere. He spent two seasons at Getafe, followed by a nine-year spell at Valencia where he became captain and midfield maestro. Since moving to Villarreal in 2020, he has maintained a high level. Parejo’s control of tempo and passing range have helped him amass 515 La Liga appearances and counting.
1. Antoine Griezmann
Topping the list of active players for La Liga appearances is Antoine Griezmann. The French forward debuted with Real Sociedad before making a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid in 2014. After a two-year stint at Barcelona, Griezmann returned to Atletico, where he remains integral to their attack. With 520 appearances, Griezmann combines consistency, creativity, and goals at the highest level of Spanish football.
| Rank | Player | Club(s) | La Liga Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antoine Griezmann | Real Sociedad, Atletico, Barcelona | 520 |
| 2 | Dani Parejo | Getafe, Valencia, Villarreal | 515 |
| 3 | Koke | Atletico Madrid | 476 |
| 4 | Oscar de Marcos | Athletic Bilbao | 430 |
| 5 | Inigo Martinez | Real Sociedad, Athletic, Barcelona | 398 |
| 6 | Raul Albiol | Valencia, Real Madrid, Villarreal | 394 |
| 7 | Luka Modric | Real Madrid | 386 |
| 8 | Iago Aspas | Celta Vigo, Sevilla | 378 |
| 9 | Isco | Malaga, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Betis | 373 |
| 10 | Inaki Williams | Athletic Bilbao | 369 |
Experience plays a major role in La Liga’s enduring quality, and these players are prime examples of that. Whether it’s a consistent midfielder like Dani Parejo or a legendary attacker like Antoine Griezmann, their La Liga appearances reflect not just time, but excellence. As these veterans continue to perform, their place in Spanish football history only grows stronger.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has the most La Liga appearances among active players?
Antoine Griezmann leads the list with 520 La Liga appearances, playing for Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
2. Which midfielder has the most active La Liga appearances?
Dani Parejo is the midfielder with the most La Liga appearances among active players, having played 515 matches for Getafe, Valencia, and Villarreal.
3. Has Luka Modric reached 400 La Liga appearances?
Luka Modric is close to the 400-mark with 386 La Liga appearances, all with Real Madrid since joining the league in 2012.
4. Are there any one-club players among the top 10?
Yes, Koke and Inaki Williams have spent their entire La Liga careers at Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, respectively.
5. Which current La Liga defender has the most appearances?
Oscar de Marcos leads current defenders with 430 La Liga appearances, all for Athletic Bilbao.