A decade after the conclusion of a strong period for Spain's national team, a look back at the finest players the country has ever produced.
It's been ten years since Spain won a third major title in six amazing years.
La Roja won Euro 2008 after decades of underachievement at the top level, and the squad went on to win their first World Cup in 2010, before defending their continental title in 2012.
Players from that period, unsurprisingly, dominate this list of the country's greatest-ever players, with superstars like Telmo Zarra, Emilio Butragueno, Fernando Hierro, Luis Suarez Miramontes, David Silva, Pedro, and Fernando Torres missing out.
So, who are Spain's top ten players of all time? We go through our top ten...
10. Xabi Alonso
Between 2008 and 2012, Xabi Alonso was a key figure in Spain's triumph.
The graceful midfielder appeared in all three tournaments, however he only started one match at Euro 2008 under Luis Aragones, coming off the bench in the semi-final and final to help La Roja win their first trophy since 1964.
Under Vicente del Bosque, Alonso took on a larger role, establishing his place in Spain's superb midfield as the country won the 2010 World Cup and regained the Euros in 2012.
The former Real Sociedad, Liverpool, and Real Madrid midfielder went on to play 114 times for Spain, scoring 16 goals, including both in Spain's 2-0 Euro 2012 quarter-final victory over France.
9. Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is divisive in Spanish football, but his significance in La Roja's golden era is undeniable.
At the 2010 World Cup, the Catalan centre-back took his superb relationship with Barcelona teammate Carles Puyol to the international stage, and he was equally impressive partnering Sergio Ramos at Euro 2012.
Later in his career, he was chastised for his vocal opinions on Real Madrid and his supposed pro-independence sentiments for Catalonia (although he has never gone out in favour, simply called for the freedom to choose).
8. Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol always gave his all for his club and country, and the late-career centre-back was crucial to the success of both Barcelona and Spain.
At Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, the defender captained Spain's defense and was chosen to the tournament's Team of the Tournament on both occasions.
La Roja only surrendered two goals in South Africa, and he scored the game-winning goal in the semi-final victory over Germany.
He missed the 2012 Euros due to injury, although he still played 100 times for Spain and scored three goals.
7. Raul
Raul Gonzalez was widely regarded as Spain's greatest player for many years.
The former Real Madrid striker was a regular in Spain's lineup for a decade, scoring 44 goals in 102 games to become the country's top scorer.
6. Sergio Busquets
When Spain lost their first encounter at the 2010 World Cup, coach Vicente del Bosque used the occasion to laud Sergio Busquets, despite the fact that the Barcelona star had been criticized.
Del Bosque, a former great midfielder, admitted that if he were playing now, he would like to have Busquets' talents.
Sergio Ramos, No. 5
Sergio Ramos' last two seasons (at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain) have been cut short by injury, but the centre-back has enjoyed a stellar club and international career.
The 36-year-old is a motivating defender who has made a record 180 appearances for La Roja, scoring 23 goals.
David Villa, No. 4
Luis Aragones' decision to leave Raul out of the national squad benefitted David Villa the most.
With 59 goals in 98 appearances, the Asturian striker made the number. 7 shirt his own and went on to become La Roja's all-time greatest scorer.
Four came in Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and five more at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, as Villa was instrumental in Spain's triumph at both tournaments.
3. Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas is a Real Madrid and Spain icon after an amazing club and country career.
The goalkeeper, who retired in 2020 after having a small heart attack while playing for Porto, led La Roja throughout their dominant spell of dominance from 2008 to 2012.
2. Andres Iniesta
Choosing between Andres Iniesta and Xavi was like asking Barcelona supporters to choose between their mother and father. It's a near-impossibility.
Iniesta is frequently at the top of these lists. After all, it was his goal that helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010. As La Roja won Euro 2012, he was also awarded Player of the Tournament.
1. Xavi
In 2008, everything changed for Barcelona and Spain, and Xavi was at the center of the turnaround for both club and nation.
Following several major setbacks, Spain coach Luis Aragones opted for a fresh style of play heading into Euro 2008, and Xavi became the heartbeat of La Roja's passing and possession philosophy.
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