The coolest man in La Liga. Alonso was one of the first Spanish players to make an impact in England’s premiership, wowing Liverpool supporters for five seasons before arriving at Real Madrid as part of Florentino Pérez’s neo-galáctico project. Less flashy than the likes of Ronaldo or Özil, the man from Tolosa is nonetheless one of the first names José Mourinho puts on the teamsheet due to his tactical nous and passing range. Not only does Alonso pick up trophies like a kleptomaniac, he also knows how to wear a suit. … [Read more...] about Xabi Alonso
Football Players
Raúl González
Slower than a snoozing turtle. Too bossy by half. A training ground grump. Yes, yes, all of that may be true, but love him or hate him, Raúl is a legend: 323 goals for Real Madrid over 16 years. This striker never had any deadly weapon in particular other than unshakeable self-belief, which might explain why he is now enjoying a fruitful semi-retirement at Germany’s Shalke 04. … [Read more...] about Raúl González
Jesús Navas
Not so long ago, Navas was known as much for the panic attacks he suffered on being away from his family as his sprite-like runs down Sevilla’s wing. But having overcome his travel phobia through some sympathetic treatment with the national squad during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it’s the opposition defenders who now do the panicking when they see Navas galloping towards them with the ball. … [Read more...] about Jesús Navas
Sergio Ballesteros
Not many teams beat Real Madrid these days and not many defenders outsprint Cristiano Ronaldo. But Levante and their club captain Ballesteros have managed both this season. Weighing in at 90 kilos (200 pounds), the 36-year-old not only still has his legs, but has also led his ageing teammates on an incredible run, defying pre-season predictions that his team were relegation fodder and topping La Liga for a few heady weeks. And they manage all this on a diet of pizza, beer and paella. Old school, in every way. … [Read more...] about Sergio Ballesteros
Gérard Piqué
Barcelona’s Piqué started life as a centre-forward, which might explain his ease on the ball, even when under pressure from La Liga’s most fearsome strikers. And for a 24-year-old, he’s seen a bit of the world, having served an apprenticeship at Manchester United and caught the attention of Colombian songstress Shakira. Despite his many distractions, the Mango-attired, pop star-dating Piqué remains Europe’s most cultured central defender. … [Read more...] about Gérard Piqué