LaLiga has been a breeding ground for some of the most talented footballers in history. However, some of these stars burst onto the scene as teenagers and made an instant impact from the very beginning. If making a professional debut is already an exciting, but also nerve-racking experience, imagine being a teenager and having the weight of fans’ expectations on your back. Regardless of the pressure, who are some of the best teenage sensations to play in LaLiga?
Before beginning, let’s make clear that the ranking below is based on their performances and impact as teenagers, not their overall careers.
With all that said, let’s take a look at the 10 legendary teenage sensations who managed the expectations and went on to become some of the best players in LaLiga’s history.
Joseba Etxeberria
While Joseba Etxeberria is remembered for his playing career at Athletic Bilbao, he originally began at Real Sociedad, where he made his professional debut at 17 years of age during the 1994/1995 season.
His performances quickly caught the attention of arch-rival Athletic Bilbao, who paid over €3 million for his signing in the summer of 1995, making it the highest transfer fee for an under-18 player in Spanish football at the time. Something that Txuri-Urdin fans took exception to and made their feelings known every time he played at Real Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium.
Despite his age, he immediately became one of the team’s most important players. In the 1997/1998 season, his 11 league goals helped Athletic Bilbao finish second in the table and qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
With the Spanish national team, he received over 50 caps, scoring 12 goals and taking part in three major tournaments (1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, and 2004). He played a total of 501 games and scored 95 goals for Athletic Bilbao before retiring in 2010.
In a remarkable gesture of loyalty, Etxeberria played the final season of his career (2009-2010) for free. An act that sealed his legacy as one of Athletic Bilbao’s greatest players in club history.
Isco
Having come through the youth academy at Valencia, Isco had only played a handful of first-team matches when Málaga triggered his €6 million buy-out clause in 2011. Regardless, he made an instant impact by helping the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in club history.
That season would also see him earn the Golden Boy award for best young player of the 2011/ 2012 season. In his second season, Isco led Málaga through their historic Champions League campaign, which saw them defeat AC Milan (as well as getting a vital draw at the San Siro), finish top of their group, and reach the quarterfinal stage.
His performances caught the attention of the Spanish national team, which would see Isco earn his first international appearance. However, that would be his last season with Málaga as he would leave in 2013, making a €30 million move to Real Madrid where he would enjoy big success.
His playing career at Málaga was marked by his creativity and ability to influence games, which will always be remembered by those who witnessed his rise to stardom.
Iker Muniain
Although Iker Muniain remains the youngest player to ever play a competitive match for Athletic Bilbao, his journey with the first team began in 2007 when he was called up to take part in the team’s preseason training when he was only 14 years old. Two years later, he made his first-team debut at just 16 years of age.
He immediately became a key player and a fan favorite as he helped the club reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2012 and several Copa del Rey finals. His performances were crucial in 2014 as Athletic Bilbao qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1998. He would leave the club after the 2023/2024 season having made over 500 appearances, but not before helping Athletic Bilbao win its first major trophy since 1984 after beating Mallorca to win the Copa del Rey title.
Javi Martínez
Coming through Osasuna‘s youth academy, Javi Martínez hadn’t even made his professional debut when Athletic Bilbao signed him in the summer of 2006 for €6 million when he was only 17 years old. Despite the initial concerns, he quickly made an impact at Athletic Bilbao, becoming a regular starter in his debut season.
Although the club didn’t win any titles during this period, he was vital in helping Athletic Bilbao reach the Copa del Rey final in 2009 and 2012, as well as the Europa League final in 2012.
While he wasn’t a regular starter on the Spanish national team, he would be a part of the squad that won the 2010 World Cup and the Euro 2012 title. His performances caught the attention of Bayern Munich, who signed him in 2012 for a then-club-record fee of €40 million.
His journey from a raw 17-year-old to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and hard work.
Sergio Ramos
Come through Sevilla’s youth academy, Sergio Ramos showed great potential as his versatility and strong work ethic allowed him to flourish in various defensive positions. By the time he was 17, Ramos was called up to train with the first team and he would make his professional debut during the 2003/2004 season.
He quickly became a regular starter as his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him a standout player. His performances would lead to his international debut when he was 18 years old.
His meteoric rise caught the attention of several top clubs and in 2005, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €27 million. Ramos quickly integrated into the squad, becoming a key player in the defense and contributing to the team’s success in domestic and international competitions.
His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and knack for scoring crucial goals (none more important than his equalizing goal in the 2014 Champions League final) earned him numerous accolades. His performances, as well as his elusive trophy cabinet at both club and international levels, have earned him a place among the legends of the game.
Julen Guerrero
Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Julen Guerrero was regarded as one of Spanish football’s most iconic players. Making his debut at 18 under coach Jupp Heynckes, he instantly became one of the league’s best players, scoring 10 goals for Athletic Bilbao in his first season and being named the New Spanish Player of the Year in 1993.
He followed that up by scoring 18 goals in his second season and being named the Spanish Footballer of the Year in 1994. His performances were vital in helping Athletic Bilbao finish second in the league in the 1997-1998 season, which would see the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
With the Spanish national team, he would play in two World Cups (1994 and 1998) and was a part of the Euro 1996 squad. Even though he’s been retired since 2006, he’s still fondly remembered by Athletic Bilbao fans and remains a symbol of loyalty and dedication at the club.
Antoine Griezmann
While Antoine Griezmann is regarded as an all-time French legend, it was in LaLiga where he first made his name. After being rejected by several French teams, Griezmann joined the youth academy of Real Sociedad in 2005 where he would make his professional debut in 2009 while the club was in the second division.
His performances that season were instrumental as he helped Real Sociedad gain promotion back to LaLiga in 2010. His speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability made him a key player for the team, which would see him be named La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2013.
Over the next few seasons, he continued to impress, helping Real Sociedad secure a place in the UEFA Champions League for the 2013-2014 season. In 2014, Griezmann’s impressive performances caught the attention of Atlético Madrid, who signed him for a then-club record €30 million.
With the French national team, he’s enjoyed remarkable success, helping them win the World Cup in 2018. Without question, Griezmann is one of football’s most underrated players and has gone on to become a world-class player.
Iker Casillas
Regarded as one of the greatest keepers in football history, Iker Casillas’ journey began at 16 when he was called up for a UEFA Champions League match against Rosenborg in 1997.
Although he never played in the game, he was already making a name for himself and his potential was being recognized by senior management. However, his debut would come in 1999 through a bit of fortune after the team’s two first-team keepers (Bodo Illgner and Albano Bizzarri) were unavailable, playing his first game against Athletic Bilbao at their historic San Mames stadium.
Later in that 1999/2000 season, he would become the team’s starting first-team keeper and played an important role in helping Real Madrid win their 8th UEFA Champions League title. An achievement that would also see him become the youngest goalkeeper to feature in and win a Champions League final.
His ability to perform in high-pressure situations earned him the nickname “San Iker” among fans and teammates. He would also become the starting keeper for the Spanish national team and was vital in helping to win two Euro Cup championships and their first-ever World Cup title. His success with both club and country without question makes him one of the greatest goalkeepers in history.
Lionel Messi
Now regarded as one of the greatest players in history, Messi moved from Argentina to join Barcelona’s youth academy when he was 13 years old and made his presence known from the beginning. By 17, he was already training with the first team and would make his professional debut during the 2004/2005 season.
That same season, he scored his first goals, becoming the youngest player in Barcelona’s history to make his debut and score a goal in a match. Despite his age, he became a regular first-team player in the 2005/2006 season and immediately showcased his skills.
His vision, creativity, and ability to change the course of a game with a single touch made him a valuable asset for Barcelona as he would help the club win the league and Champions League title in 2006.
While he was already an important player, the fact that he was playing in a star-studded squad, with Ronaldinho as the main figure, took the pressure off him and allowed Messi to grow before becoming the team’s star player.
From then on, the rest is history.
Raúl González
While most teenage sensations usually come off the bench when they make their debuts, Raúl was virtually thrown into the lion’s den when he played his first professional match, starting in a league match against Real Zaragoza at La Romareda stadium.
He made his home debut the following week against city rivals Atlético Madrid where he scored his first of many goals for Real Madrid, becoming the club’s youngest scorer at the time.
Interestingly, it was at Atlético Madrid where it all began for Raúl as he played in their youth teams before the club decided to close its academy as a cost-saving measure.
By his 20th birthday, Raúl had scored a total of 58 goals, been named the Spanish Footballer of the Year for the 1996/1997 season, and helped the team win two league titles. He was also an instrumental player for the Spanish national team, playing in two Euros (2000 and 2004) and three World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006).
Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, his performances earned him the nickname “El Siete” and he instantly became a fan favorite. With six La Ligas, three Champions League titles and two Intercontinental Cups, Raúl is not only an all-time Real Madrid great, but also one of the most iconic players in Spanish football history.
Javier Martinez is a seasoned veteran of football coverage and an expert on Spanish football. He has been covering world football for more than seven years with bylines at outlets such as The 18 and The Real Champs.