La Liga’s top 5 players from the 2010s: Where are they now after terrorising European football?

Spanish La Liga clubs asserted their dominance on the European stage during the 2010s, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona clinching six UEFA Champions League titles between 2010 and 2018.

The Catalan giants, led by Pep Guardiola and later Luis Enrique, secured their fourth UCL title in 2011 and a fifth in 2015.

Real Madrid, meanwhile - under the guidance of Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti - ended their long quest for a 10th UCL crown.

They went on to claim three more in a remarkable run from 2016 to 2018 under the leadership of former midfielder, Zinedine Zidane, adding three La Liga titles to their trophy cabinet throughout the decade.

Atletico Madrid, not to be overshadowed, managed to disrupt the duopoly of the big two by winning the Spanish league title in 2013/2014.

La Rojiblancos came agonisingly close to a Champions League crown of their own, losing in two finals to their fierce city rivals, Real Madrid, in 2014 and 2016.

La Liga featured many of the world's best players in the 2010s and Sports Brief now examines some standout stars from that era and where they are today.

2010s La Liga stars - where are they now?

Antoine Griezmann

After aiding Real Sociedad's promotion in the 2009/2010 season, Griezmann swiftly became one of La Liga's most thrilling talents. The French forward soared to new heights in five seasons with Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, scoring 95 goals in La Liga, according to data by Whoscored. After two notable seasons at Barcelona, he returned to Atletico ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Luis Suarez

In his six seasons at Barcelona, Suarez netted an incredible 198 goals in 283 games, including 147 in 191 La Liga appearances, per reports from Fotmob.

As part of Barcelona's famed forward trio alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, Suarez won four La Liga titles. He added another title during his two-year stint at Atletico Madrid and is currently a free agent after concluding his eventful spell at Brazilian Serie A club, Gremio.

Karim Benzema

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2023, consistently reaching double figures in La Liga goals in 12 out of 14 seasons.

A four-time La Liga champion, Benzema initially played a supporting role to Cristiano Ronaldo before becoming the team's primary goal-scorer after the Portuguese star's departure in 2018. The 35-year-old departed Los Blancos in the summer to join Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ittihad.

Lionel Messi

Messi left an indelible mark on La Liga, scoring 474 goals for Barcelona and winning the competition 10 times. A six-time top scorer, hiss most prolific season was in 2012-13, with a record 50 goals in La Liga and 73 in all competitions.

Messi departed Barcelona for French club, Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and after a two-year stint in Ligue 1, he joined MLS club, Inter Miami where he inspired them to the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo showcased incredible prowess in La Liga, scoring 311 goals in 292 appearances between 2009 and 2018. Despite winning the top scorer title thrice, he only secured La Liga twice due to Barcelona's dominance. However, he clinched the Champions League four times as a Real Madrid player.

After a stint with Juventus, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United for a troubled spell before joining Saudi Pro League club, Al-Nassr.