From 2008 to 2014, Spain dominated the FIFA World Rankings for over six years, winning the UEFA European Titles in 2008 and 2012, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010, becoming the first team to win three major world championships in a row. Nevertheless, Spain has produced some of the best players of all time, both during and after this golden era. Join us as we take a look at some of these guys if you’re a fan or enjoy betting on them.
1. Andoni Zubizarreta
He was a legendary goalkeeper who played for Spain at four FIFA World Cups in a row and twice at the UEFA European Championships. Both Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona had fruitful careers with Zubizarreta. He competed in seven major events and won 11 trophies, among other achievements.
2. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos, who was recently voted the finest centre-back of all time by fans, has won 21 major honors, notably four UEFA Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. With 167 caps, he is the most capped player in Spain’s history. He’s known for his management, technical skills, adaptability, and ability to play both offense and defense.
3. Xavi Hernandez
For many years, Xavi was regarded as Barcelona’s pulse and, by many, the best Spanish footballer of all time. His talent to identify precision passing and ball management earned him the nickname “The Puppet Master,” as he was able to dictate the flow of play without ceding the ball. Xavi and Iniesta formed the backbone of Spain’s golden era, winning seven La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, and two Copa Del Reys between them. Xavi will go down in history as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
4. Iker Casillas
This goalie, widely known as “San Iker,” is widely regarded as one of the best of our generation. When Real Madrid defeated Valencia in the 2002 Champions League final, he became the youngest goalkeeper in the competition’s history. He went on to win the La Liga five times, the Copa del Rey twice, and become Spain’s most capped player at the age of 33, with 153 caps. Captain Casillas was the first Spaniard to lift the European Championship trophy in 2008, after a 44-year wait for a major prize, and he guided his team to victory at the World Cup two years later.
5. David Villa
He was regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and the greatest Spaniard of all time. David Villa has 98 international caps and has scored more goals for La Roja than anyone else. He also scored five goals in the 2010 World Cup victory and four goals in the European Championship victory in 2008.
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