An update on the future of Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has been provided ahead of his side’s Midlands derby with Aston Villa after a tricky start to the Premier League season.
Wolves continue poor start to the season
Midweek Carabao Cup action did nothing to lift spirits around Molineux as Gary O’Neil’s side fell to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of fellow Premier League side Brighton at the AMEX stadium.
It means that Wolves have won just one game so far this season, and are yet to taste success in the Premier League. A defeat against Arsenal on the opening day was followed by a thrashing at the hands of Chelsea, before they picked up their sole point of the campaign so far in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
With games against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Man City and Brighton all in their next five games, it could prove difficult to find any sort of form between now and November, which could see them dragged into a relegation dog-fight.
Wolves’ next five Premier League games
Aston Villa (A)
Liverpool (H)
Brentford (A)
Manchester City (H)
Brighton (A)
O’Neil bemoaned the defeat in midweek, admitting that he was beginning to sound “like a broken record”.
“Unfortunately, I have to sit here again and talk to you about a defeat but one that probably shouldn’t have been a defeat”, the Wolves boss explained. “We made a lot of changes and the team still found a way to function, to function fairly well.
“The 3-1 sucker punch was a tough one because I think everyone in the stadium felt we were very, very much on top at the point and it feels a bit this way at the moment, which makes these chats with you guys (the media) a bit awkward because you don’t want to sound like a broken record. We did enough today to get a result out of the game and we found a way not to again, so it’s a similar theme.”
Now, an update on the manager’s future has been provided ahead of his pre match press conference on Friday, which will take place this afternoon.
Update on O'Neil's Wolves role
That comes as GiveMeSport claim that despite the poor form, O’Neil’s job remains completely safe at Molineux. They explain that the Wolves boss is “under no pressure in terms of losing his job whatsoever”, and they add that is unlikely to change in the coming weeks either.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Given the tough fixtures ahead, they reveal that “it is likely O’Neil will be judged on games following that period of the campaign”, with the fixture list looking somewhat kinder heading into November and beyond for the Old Gold.
Reported to take home just £1.5m per year, O’Neil is one of the lowest paid managers in the Premier League, which means that should Wolves decide to pull the trigger it should not have too much impact on their finances.
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For now though, they are willing to stick with the man who guided them to midtable and safety last season.
It is safe to say Newcastle United have come a long way in recent years. Following promotion in 2017, Premier League finishes of tenth, 13th, 13th, 12th and 11th during their first five years looked like they had established themselves as a side who wouldn’t quite achieve a European place, but who also wouldn’t suffer relegation.
This changed when Howe arrived, as his first full season saw the Magpies claim a stunning fourth place finish during 2022/23, their highest since 2012.
While they could only secure seventh place last term, hopes are high after a promising start this year and Howe certainly appears to be the man to take the club back into Europe.
Long gone are the days when Sam Allardyce was in charge, as the club slipped back down the table rather than forcing their way up as contenders for Champions League qualification.
Sam Allardyce’s Newcastle statistics
At Bolton, ‘Big Sam’ created a team that not only secured promotion to the top flight, but one that remained there until 2012, with players such as Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Jay-Jay Okocha ensuring they were one of the finest cult teams in the history of the Premier League.
He even secured European football for the club and came close to winning the League Cup in 2004, but when the Toon job became available, he took the opportunity with both hands.
The Englishman made a promising start to life at Newcastle, recording five wins and two draws from their opening nine league matches, but form started to drop off.
He was sacked in January 2008 after just eight months in charge, failing to inspire the team to much success.
Might it have been a different story had he signed the players he wanted to bring to Newcastle? Rather than settling for those who failed to make a difference.
Newcastle’s signings under Sam Allardyce
During the summer of 2007, players such as Alan Smith, Joey Barton, Mark Viduka and Habib Beye arrived at St James Park – to varying degrees of success.
Hopes were high that Allardyce could attract high-class players due to his stature in the Premier League, but it didn’t quite turn out like that, which ultimately led to his downfall at the club.
Player
Club signed from
Alan Smith
Manchester United
Mark Viduka
Middlesbrough
Joey Barton
Manchester City
Jose Enrique
Villarreal
David Rozehnal
PSG
Abdoulaye Faye
Bolton
Habib Beye
Marseille
Geremi
Chelsea
Claudio Cacapa
Lyon
One of the most experienced players who linked up with Allardyce was former Real Madrid gem Geremi, who had featured for Chelsea under José Mourinho.
Geremi’s statistics at Newcastle
The Cameroonian won the Champions League and La Liga titles with Madrid during a three-year spell in the capital before moving to Chelsea in 2003. After 109 appearances in which he won the Premier League twice, Geremi was available on a free transfer.
Allardyce wasted no time, snapping him up that summer. Geremi would play just 54 times for the Magpies during his spell in the north-east as he was clearly slowing down as a player.
While the utility midfielder was seen as somewhat of a decent signing, things may have turned out a lot better for the club had they signed one of their main targets – Luka Modrić.
Newcastle missed out on Luka Modric in 2007
Speaking a few years after leaving the club, Allardyce claimed that he was keen on bringing the playmaker to Newcastle during his first summer transfer window, saying:
“I was then on the way to getting Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb, but by then, Mike saw the scale of the full debut and put the clamps on, so I had to make do with Geremi from Chelsea.”
Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric.
What might have been at St James Park if the manager had gotten his wish and signed the young Croatian talent 17 years ago? He could have potentially saved his job, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
The current Real Madrid star hasn’t done too badly since then.
Luka Modric’s career statistics
Modric did eventually end up in the Premier League, but it wasn’t with Newcastle. After impressing in his homeland, he joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008, going on to make a total of 160 appearances for the London club, emerging as a player to watch.
Luka Modric for Tottenham.
Former teammate Darren Bent hailed Modric as “incredible” before lavishing further praise on his ex-teammate while speaking about him, saying: “When Luka joined Spurs, the first thing you noticed was his technique.
“I had played against him for England but when you watched him up close, he was a player you knew straight away was levels above everyone.”
His performances clearly impressed Real Madrid, who came in for him in the summer of 2012, going on to become a club legend.
The 39-year-old has played nearly 550 games for the club, winning all there is to win in the process, but it has been at international level in which Modric has demonstrated his influence.
Not only did he lead Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final (losing 4-2 to France), but he came close to repeating the trick four years later, as the country had to settle for a third-place finish.
This is remarkable given the nation has a population of just 3.8m, smaller than Scotland. For his exploits in Russia and his club displays for Madrid in 2018, the midfielder won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player from Croatia to win the award.
Luka Modric
What could have been if Modric had signed for Newcastle all those years ago? Would he have become a club legend? Unfortunately, no one will know, but his career trajectory may have changed significantly if he had pitched up on Tyneside rather than in North London, that’s for sure.
As it is, the Magpies – and ‘Big Sam’ – had to settle for Geremi…
Newcastle United chase £21m gem who outscored Erling Haaland at youth level
Manchester United have made a €50m (£43m) offer to sign an "extraordinary" world-renowned player this summer, according to a new update.
Man Utd transfer news
A productive summer at Old Trafford appears to be improving all the time, with numerous top-quality names coming in. Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui look set to be the next players to arrive, but the Red Devils' spending may not end there.
Ex-Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso has emerged as a target for United, with the 29-year-old now an experienced head capable of thriving at centre-back and left-back.
Mario Hermoso
Midfield additions are still needed ahead of the new Premier League season, with Casemiro an ageing figure, and Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone has been backed to seal a move to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Burnley's Sander Berge could be an alternative option in that area of the pitch as he looks to seal a transfer away from the Championship club.
Another striker isn't out of the question in the coming weeks either, with Brentford star Ivan Toney continuing to be linked with a switch to United. A "late-window" bid for the England international has been mooted, in what could be an eye-catching piece of business.
Man Utd make offer for "extraordinary" player
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional (via The Faithful MUFC), Manchester United have submitted a €50m bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as they look to add him to their list of summer signings.
The Catalan giants are believed to have rejected the approach, instead demanding somewhere in the region of €85m (£73m) instead, which is a huge increase – albeit with €15m of that fee in potential add-ons.
Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona.
De Jong could be a perfect addition to Erik ten Hag's midfield this season and beyond, possessing elite-level natural ability and the talent to dictate a game from the middle of the park. His former manager, Xavi, is under no illusion as to how gifted he is, saying of him in the past:
"He’s an extraordinary footballer. A midfielder that is not afraid to receive the ball in difficult areas, I’ll repeat it, he’s a very good player. At Barca you need an excellent level to play. You get there and there is Messi, Griezmann, Pique, Busquets… the best in the world in your team."
At 27, De Jong is coming right into the peak years of his career, so the idea of him in a United shirt is a mouthwatering prospect, with the Dutchman not only an artist on the ball but effective out of possession, averaging 2.2 tackles per game in La Liga last season – only Gavi averaged more for Barca.
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While not necessarily the most dynamic when it comes to outright pace, he could dovetail beautifully with Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot at the base of the Red Devils' midfield, allowing Bruno Fernandes more freedom in front of them. A huge bid will be needed for the situation to change, though.
Bayern Munich came close to matching their own record set under Pep Guardiola in 2014 during Saturday's win over Heidenheim.
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Bayern made close to 1000 passes vs HeidenheimSecond to Guardiola's record from 10 years backBundesliga leaders won 4-2 in BundesligaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Jamal Musiala came off the bench to strike twice as Bayern clinched a 4-2 win over Heidenheim in a Bundesliga clash on Saturday. During the match at Allianz Arena, Vincent Kompany's side played a whopping 988 passes as they came close to matching their record from 10 years back. In the last two decades, only once had the Bavarian club played more than 1000 passes during a Bundesliga clash – against Hertha Berlin under current Manchester City boss Guardiola's tutelage.
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In March 2014, during Guardiola's maiden season in charge of the German giants, the club played 1109 passes as they outclassed Hertha 3-1 courtesy of goals from Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery. Kompany, who spent three seasons playing under the legendary Spanish manager at City, is heavily influenced by his mentor and is trying to implement a similar possession-based style at Bayern.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Bundesliga giants remain unbeaten in the league and are now six points clear at the top of the table. Star striker Harry Kane missed Saturday's fixture due to an injury, but the England captain is inching closer towards a return to action.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?
Kompany's men will be back in action on Tuesday as they take on Shakhtar Donetsk in a crucial Champions League clash.
Chelsea are closing in on another signing this summer after agreeing a £17m+ deal for the next exciting talent out of Brazil, according to recent reports.
Chelsea building for the future
It has been a strange two years since Todd Boehly's arrival at Stamford Bridge, with much of the first team sold off to fund moves for future gems.
Significant sums have been spent on players who are either yet to join or who have been sent out on loan for the most part, with only Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu likely to be part of Enzo Maresca's squad for the upcoming Premier League season from the teenagers signed.
Teenage signings since Todd Boehly's arrival
Player
Fee
Gabriel Slonina
£7m
Romeo Lavia
£58m
Andrey Santos
£18m
Cesare Casadei
£12m
Carney Chukwuemeka
£20m
Malo Gusto
£30m
Lesley Ugochukwu
£23.2m
Angelo
£13m
Deivid Washington
£17.2m
Omari Kellyman
£17m
Caleb Wiley
£8.5m
Marc Guiu
£5m
Estevao
£30m
Kendry Paez
Undisclosed
The method is yet to truly bear fruit either, with Chelsea finishing in a Europa Conference League spot last season despite five straight wins to end the season, a finish that saw them part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, homegrown talents are being sold off to make space for the additions; Ian Maatsen has joined Aston Villa this summer and Conor Gallagher is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, while Trevoh Chalobah continues to be ostracised from the squad amid reports he could leave the club too.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea agree deal for "Neymar-esque" forward
Chelsea have reportedly finally agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Brazilian talent Gabriel Mec from Gremio. The attacker is yet to make a senior appearance for Gremio, and has just six U20 appearances to his name, registering one goal in the process.
However, he is already widely touted as a future superstar; Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as "a 2-footed, skilful Brazilian attacker" with a "Neymar-esque play-style" on X. He tends to play in the wide areas or as a number 10, but it is added that "wherever he plays he’ll drop deeper or central to receive the ball".
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Now, the same outlet that broke Chelsea's initial interest in the teenager have claimed that a deal has been agreed, with the Blues ready to pay in excess of 20m euros (£17m) with add-ons included.
Meanwhile, other reports claim Mec is "open to the move" to Stamford Bridge, where he would join a growing contingent of Brazilian youngsters with Estevao already set to make his way to west London to join Angelo and Andrey Santos.
Of course, Mec can not leave Brazil until he turns 18, which will see him head across the Atlantic in the summer of 2026 to join his new club. If he lives up to the weight of expectation that surrounds him, he could prove an excellent piece of business for the Blues, albeit at the cost of their current squad.
Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as they search for a Toni Kroos replacement.
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Real Madrid eyeing summer move for Wirtz
Spanish giants keen to sign a Kroos replacement
Alexander-Arnold also being monitored
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Los Blancos decided not to sign a replacement for Kroos in the summer, instead choosing to stick with their current midfield options. But after an inconsistent start to the 2024-25 campaign, the club have reportedly ramped up their interest in Wirtz and will keep a close eye on the 21-year-old, with a view to signing him next summer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Replacing Kroos was always going to be a tough challenge, but a midfield featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos has left Carlo Ancelotti without a dynamic, ball-playing central player. This concern has been highlighted by staff at the club, according to , with Madrid's interest in Wirtz intensifying in recent months as a result.
DID YOU KNOW?
Real Madrid will monitor Wirtz's performance in the Champions League to gauge his ability, considering he only played in the Europa League last year. Early scouting reports on the Germany international are positive, though, and he's impressed in Europe with three goals in four games this season.
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WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
It's likely to be another exciting summer for Real Madrid, with the club also linked with moves for full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies. However, there may be some regrets over the decision not to add a Kroos-like midfielder to their ranks this year after seeing Barcelona storm to the top of La Liga.
A reta final de América-MG e Flamengo foi marcada por fortes emoções no Independência. Neste domingo (26), o rubro-negro Michael conseguiu uma arrancada e abriu o marcador para tocar na saída de Matheus Cavichioli. Após muita batalha, o Coelho viu, em uma bola alçada, Alê escorar para o fundo da rede e arrancar o empate em 1 a 1 em jogo válido pela22ª rodada da competição nacional.
> Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro!
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Com o resultado, o Rubro-Negro, que escalou time basicamente reserva, foi para 35 pontos em 19 partidas e ficou distante do líder Atlético-MG (que tem 46 pontos e dois jogos a mais) e do vice-líder Palmeiras, que tem três pontos a mais em 21 jogos. Já o time mineiro foi a 24 pontos e pode entrar no Z4.
استقر الاتحاد المصري لكرة السلة، على المدرب الجديد الذي سيقود منتخب مصر الأول، خلال الفترة المقبلة.
ولم يتوصل اتحاد كرة السلة لاتفاق مع أي مدرب أجنبي، لتولي تدريب الفراعنة خلال الفترة المقبلة، حيث كان هناك مفاوضات مع الكندي روى رانا، من أجل تولي تدريب الفراعنة مجددًا.
وقرر اتحاد كرة السلة رسميًا، تعيين محمد الكرداني في منصب المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر.
وسبق لـ”بطولات” أن أكد في وقت سابق، اقتراب الكرداني من تولي تدريب منتخب مصر.. طالع التفاصيل
ودخل مسئولو الاتحاد في مفاوضات مع أوجستي بوش، مدرب الأهلي، لكنه قرر الاستمرار مع القعلة الحمراء ورفض تدريب الفراعنة.
وسبق لمحمد الكرداني مدرب منتخب مصر الجديد، تدريب أندية الجزيرة واتحاد جدة والمنتخب السعودي لكرة السلة ونادي الاتحاد المنستيري التونسي.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have three players representing them at Euro 2024 who will all be hoping to perform to as high of a level as what they managed to hit in the 2023/24 season with their club side. Gary O’Neil’s side finished 14th in the Premier League last campaign, an impressive placement in his first season in charge.
The trio of his players at the Euros are representatives of Portugal; namely, they are Jose Sa, Pedro Neto and Nelson Semedo. Only two of those three have featured so far, with Jose Sa yet to make an appearance. It seems unlikely the goalkeeper will displace Diogo Costa from the starting lineup after his penalty heroics, barring injury.
Neto has featured in three out of Portugal’s four games so far, missing the round of 16 win over Slovenia. He started their final group game against Georgia, playing 75 minutes, and had 45 minutes off the bench in the second game. Semedo has yet to start but has played in all of his country’s games so far.
However, come the end of summer, the Midlands side may well be able to boast a fourth player in their squad who played at Euro 2024, following links to one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Wolves target Euros sensation
The player in question here is Fenerbache and Turkey left-back Ferdi Kadioglu. The 24-year-old has impressed as his country reached the quarter-finals in Germany, where they will face the Netherlands, and he is now linked with a move away from the club this summer.
According to a report from Turkish news outlet Milat Gazetesi, Wolves are one club who are interested in signing the exciting left-back over the summer transfer window. The article explains that Wolves are one of the sides who are 'closely following' Kadioglu, and could look to sign him this summer.
Ferdi Kadiolgu for Fenerbahce.
However, they will face major competition from elsewhere in the Premier League and the rest of Europe. The report states that London trio Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham are interested in signing the left-back, with competition coming from Germany in the form of Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen, and Spain with Atletico Madrid and Valencia also interested.
In terms of a price, Fenerbache will not accept any offers below £35m, after previously asking Dortmund for such a fee previously. The German giants bid £25m, but that was an offer turned down by the Turkish club.
Why Kadioglu would be a good signing
There is no doubt that Kadioglu has been a standout player in Turkey’s impressive Euro 2024 run so far. He has played 90 minutes in each of their four games, playing as a flying left-wing back who has impressed defensively and in the final third.
Against Austria in his side’s round of 16 victory, he was given a 7/10 for his performance by GIVEMESPORT. He was given plenty of praise, with one analyst – Ben Mattinson – hailing him as a "total footballer" for his display against Ralf Rangnick's team.
Should Wolves sign Kadioglu, he could be the ideal replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri, who seems set to leave Wolves this summer. According to reports, Liverpool are thought to be keen admirers of the left-back.
In terms of pure goals and assists numbers, Kadioglu scored three times and registered five assists in 51 games, respectable numbers from left-back. Ait-Nouri played fewer games, just 38, and only scored one goal and registered two assists.
The Turkey international also puts up better creative numbers as per FBref, averaging 8.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes which ranks him in the top 1% of positional peers in leagues similar to the Turkish top-flight. He also averages 1.38 key passes, which ranks him in the top 17%. In contrast, as per Fbref, Ait-Nouri averages just 3.83 progressive passes and 0.97 key passes.
Rayan Ait-Nouri up against West Ham's Jarrod Bowen.
The Fenerbahce defender is also a wonderful ball-carrier, as he has shown in Euro 2024. Kadioglu averages 5.19 progressive carries and 3.98 carries into the final third, both of which place him in the top 1%. In contrast, the Algerian averages just 2.59 progressive carries and 1.85 carries into the final third per 90.
Kadioglu vs Ait-Nouri passing and carrying stats
Stat (per 90)
Kadioglu
Ait-Nouri
Progressive passes
8.83
3.83
Key passes
1.38
0.97
Passes into penalty area
2.60
0.50
Progressive carries
5.19
2.59
Take-ons attempted
2.77
4.44
Take-ons completed
2.08
2.40
Carries into final third
3.98
1.85
Stata from FBref
Both players are of a very similar profile; that is to say, fast, flying wingbacks who are able to contribute in the final third whilst also being excellent defensively. Kadiolgu’s 7.44 ball recoveries are slightly better than the 5.26 ball recoveries per 90 of Ait-Nouri.
It certainly seems like a deal Wolves should pursue if they sell their star man. They would be able to add a like-for-like replacement to their squad, whilst keeping a profile that O’Neil would be able to effectively utilise in his system. For a fee of around £35m, it could be a superb investment for Wolves.
Wolves want £30m Neto replacement who "looks like a PL star"
He was one of the best players in his division last season
In the modern history of football, Spain have often competed right at the top of the tree both in club and international football, thanks to their ability to develop technically gifted stars who have graced many pitches over the years.
From World Cup and European Championship winners to Champions League and La Liga heroes, these sensational players defined their respective eras and inspired millions with their terrific performances and achievements on the pitch for both club and country.
With that, here is a list of who we believe are the ten greatest Spanish footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…
1
Andres Iniesta
2000-2024
2
Sergio Ramos
2003-present
3
David Villa
2000-2020
4
Xavi
1997-2019
5
Raul
1994-2015
6
Emilio Butragueno
1982-1998
7
Sergio Busquets
2007-present
8
Iker Casillas
1998-2020
9
Carles Puyol
1996-2014
10
Fernando Torres
2001-2019
10 Fernando Torres 2001-2019
The former Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool marksman enjoyed a terrific career at club and international level as an impressive centre-forward.
His work for Spain was particularly eye-catching as he scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany and scored one of his country’s four goals in the win over Italy in the final of the same competition in 2012.
Torres scored 38 goals in 110 caps for Spain by the end of his career, to go along with 262 goals in 762 club games.
9 Carles Puyol 1996-2014
A rock at the heart of the defence for Barcelona and Spain for many years, Carles Puyol simply had to be on this list of the best Spanish players to ever grace the field.
He was named in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions, and won three Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles during his career, to go along with the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain.
The legendary centre-back amassed 100 caps for his country and made 593 appearances for Barcelona at senior level, as he dominated matches domestically and internationally throughout his time on the pitch.
Trophy
Year(s)
World Cup
2010
European Championship
1964, 2008, 2012, 2024
Nations League
2023
8 Iker Casillas 1998-2020
The first and only goalkeeper on the list is, of course, the iconic Iker Casillas, who starred for both Spain and Real Madrid, among other clubs, over a more than 20-year career.
He caught the eye with his cat-like reflexes and exceptional saves on the biggest stages, winning the World Cup and two European Championship trophies during his time with the national team.
Casillas racked up a staggering 725 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions, and was capped 167 times by Spain, which speaks to the longevity of his career at the very top level.
Tournament
Stage reached
2002 World Cup
Quarter-finals
2006 World Cup
Round of 16
2010 World Cup
Winners
2014 World Cup
Group stage
2018 World Cup
Round of 16
2022 World Cup
Round of 16
7 Sergio Busquets 2007-present
Sergio Busquets for Spain
The first player on this list who is still actively playing is the metronomic Sergio Busquets, who currently plays for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the MLS.
Now 36, the Spanish titan has been capped 143 times by his country and made 722 appearances for Barcelona before his switch to America last year.
Busquets won a sensational nine La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies with the Catalan giants, alongside a World Cup and a European Championship medal with Spain.
Tournament
Stage reached
Euro 2000
Quarter-finals
Euro 2004
Group stage
Euro 2008
Winners
Euro 2012
Winners
Euro 2016
Round of 16
Euro 2020
Semi-finals
Euro 2024
Winners
6 Emilio Butragueno 1982-1998
The oldest player on this list is iconic forward Emilio Butragueno, who was a star for club and country over the course of a number of years.
He showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Real Madrid with a stunning return of 168 goals and 113 assists in 452 matches, and struck 26 times in 69 caps for Spain.
Butragueno, who retired in 1998, was a lethal attacker throughout his time on the pitch and caused defenders constant problems with his finishing quality and creative spark.
Rank
Player
Caps
1
Sergio Ramos
180
2
Iker Casillas
167
3
Sergio Busquets
143
4
Xavi
133
5
Andres Iniesta
131
5 Raul 1994-2015
The legendary Raul had to make this list because of his glittering career for both club and country before his retirement back in 2015.
A mind-blowing 383 goals and 157 assists in 916 matches at club level, combined with 44 goals in 102 caps for his country, shows that the former Real Madrid star was a consistently dangerous player at the top end of the pitch.
His 44 goals for Spain had made him the top scorer in the country’s history, before a player who will be revealed later in this list went on to overtake him, which speaks to the quality he displayed at international level.
Rank
Player
Caps
Goals
1
David Villa
98
59
2
Raul
102
44
3
Fernando Torres
110
38
4
Alvaro Morata
85
37
5
David Silva
125
35
4 Xavi 1997-2019
There could not be a list of the greatest players to play for Spain without including the iconic former Barcelona midfielder, and now current manager, Xavi.
The metronomic maestro was named in France Football’s all-time Ballon d’Or dream team back in 2020, alongside the likes of Messi, Lothar Matthaus, and Cafu.
Xavi scored 12 goals in 133 caps for Spain and racked up 85 goals and 185 assists in 767 appearances for Barcelona during his club career.
Manager
Tenure
Luis de la Fuente
2019-present
Luis Enrique
2018-2022
Robert Moreno
2019
Fernando Hierro
2018
Julen Lopetegui
2016-2018
3 David Villa 2000-2020
One of Spain’s all-time greats is, for sure, David Villa. The prolific marksman took on Raul’s iconic number seven shirt for his country in 2008 and never looked back.
His sensational 59 goals for Spain make him the top scorer in the history of the team, with a whopping 14 more goals than any other player over the years.
The greatest scorer in the country’s history simply had to be among the best to do ever do it in this list, especially when you also consider that he scored 341 goals in 666 games at club level – for the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, and New York City FC.
2006 World Cup
4
3
0
2008 European Championship
4
4
0
2010 World Cup
7
5
1
2014 World Cup
1
1
0
2 Sergio Ramos 2003-present
Second on this list is the most-capped player in the history of Spanish international football – legendary centre-back Sergio Ramos.
The iconic colossus has been capped a staggering 180 times by Spain, and has played 813 games at club level to date – currently playing for Mexican side Monterrey at the age of 39.
Ramos won four Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles during his time with Real Madrid, to go along with a World Cup and two European Championship successes with Spain.
He was even once dubbed the “best defender in the world” by former Italy and AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini.
1 Andres Iniesta 2000-present
The best player in Spanish football history is, arguably, the iconic Andres Iniesta, who was last playing for Emirates Club in the UAE, prior to his retirement in 2024.
One of his greatest, if not the greatest, moments of his career to date came in the final of the 2010 World Cup against the Netherlands.
Iniesta struck in extra-time to win the World Cup for his country for the first time, which cemented his place in Spanish football history forever.
He scored 14 goals in 131 caps for his country and racked up 57 strikes and 136 assists in 674 matches for Barcelona during his time at the Nou Camp.
Xavi once called him Spain’s most “complete” player and David Silva claimed that Iniesta was the best player in world football ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, which illustrates how highly he was rated by his peers.
Spain's top international goalscorers of all time
Here are the very best in front of goal for La Roja…