African players in La Liga 2026-27: the stars to watch

Published on October 1, 2026

Spain's top flight features many African players, several of whom play for the country's biggest clubs. From Real Madrid to Real Betis, via Deportivo La Coruña and Racing Santander, here are the African players to watch in La Liga this season.

Morocco's strong presence in Spain

Morocco is the most represented African nation among Spain's leading clubs. Several Atlas Lions play key roles for their teams, some of them in the Champions League this season.

Players to watch, club by club

Real Madrid - Brahim Díaz (Morocco): born in Spain, he switched to Morocco in 2024 and has become one of their key players. He brings creativity to Real Madrid's attacking midfield. - Yan Diomandé (Ivory Coast): the young Ivorian international joined Real Madrid in one of the most notable African transfers of the summer.

Real Betis - Abde Ezzalzouli, known as "Ez Abde" (Morocco): the Moroccan winger now wears Betis's number 10 shirt, with the club competing in the Champions League this season. He was part of Morocco's attack at AFCON 2025.

Villarreal - Ilias Akhomach (Morocco): a technical winger experiencing the Champions League with his club.

Racing Santander - Yassir Zabiri (Morocco): the breakout star of the early season. With 6 goals, he is among the top African scorers in Europe's major leagues.

Deportivo La Coruña - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): at 37, the Gabonese legend scored in each of the first five matchdays, before injuring his knee and undergoing meniscus surgery during the international break.

Athletic Bilbao - Iñaki Williams (Ghana): born in Bilbao and loyal to Athletic throughout his career, he chose to represent Ghana in 2022. He is one of the most iconic African players in La Liga, and a favourite among Black Stars fans.

A non-exhaustive selection compiled at the start of the 2026-27 season. Other African players also feature for Spanish clubs.

Players to watch this season

Yassir Zabiri (Racing Santander): his explosive start makes him one of La Liga's pleasant surprises. If he keeps this up, he could soon attract interest from bigger clubs.

Brahim Díaz and Yan Diomandé (Real Madrid): two African players at one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, a great showcase for the continent's football.

Ez Abde (Real Betis): with the number 10 shirt and Champions League football, he has the chance to take his game to the next level.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Deportivo): his return from injury will be one of the stories of the season for Gabon fans.

Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao): experience, pace and leadership for Athletic, and a key figure for Ghana ahead of AFCON 2027.

La Liga celebrates its African players

Every season, La Liga honours its African players with an award for the best of them, presented on Africa Day at the end of the season. Past winners include Yassine Bounou, Samuel Chukwueze and Iñaki Williams.

Which African player will shine in La Liga?

Brahim Díaz, Ez Abde, Zabiri, Iñaki Williams or someone else? Share your opinion in the comments below 👇

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