The 2025/26 LaLiga season kicks off on August 15th, and excitement is building across Spain. While established stars are getting ready for another competitive campaign, a new generation of young talent is eager to shine. Here are five up-and-coming players who could have a fantastic season and become household names.
✨ Arda Güler: Real Madrid’s Creative Spark
The Turkish midfielder joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 but had a relatively quiet start to his career in Spain. After featuring in 38 league games over two seasons, the 20-year-old is now poised for a bigger role under new coach Xabi Alonso. Alonso has emphasized the need to support Güler’s growth, saying, “It’s a time to invest in a process, in Arda’s development… We want him to gain experience, mature, and be able to make mistakes.” With this public backing, Güler could be ready to unlock his immense potential this season.
🧤 Julen Agirrezabala: Valencia’s New Guardian
A product of Athletic Club’s famed Lezama academy, this 24-year-old goalkeeper is on loan at Valencia for the season. Agirrezabala has already proven his ability on big stages, having helped his former club win the Copa del Rey as the starting keeper in the 2023/24 tournament. With Spain’s number one, Unai Simón, ahead of him at Athletic, the move to Valencia offers a valuable chance for more regular playing time. He has what it takes to be a key player for his new team at Mestalla.
🚀 Alberto Moleiro: Villarreal’s Midfield Engine
After an impressive season with UD Las Palmas, 21-year-old Alberto Moleiro has made the move to Villarreal. Known for his creativity and excellent dribbling, he is a dynamic midfielder who can change the course of a game. Last season, he scored six goals and provided one assist in 35 matches. Following the departure of Álex Baena, Moleiro has a great opportunity to step up and become a central figure in Villarreal’s midfield under manager Marcelino.
⚽ Gonzalo García: Real Madrid’s Homegrown Striker
Real Madrid may have found an answer to stubborn defences from within their own La Fábrica academy. Gonzalo García, a 21-year-old striker, showcased his goal-scoring talent at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he finished as the top scorer with four goals. He stepped up when Kylian Mbappé was unavailable and earned himself a spot in the first-team picture under Xabi Alonso. Having played just five LaLiga games so far, he is expected to get more chances to impress this season.
🛡️ Marc Pubill: Atlético’s Defensive Reinforcement
Atlético de Madrid is focused on bringing in young talent to refresh its squad, and right-back Marc Pubill is a key part of that strategy. The 22-year-old, who joins from UD Almería, was a starter for Spain’s U-21 team in this summer’s European Championship. He had a strong 2024/25 campaign, providing four assists and helping his team reach the promotion playoffs. After proving his quality, Pubill now has the chance to establish himself as a top-flight defender with Atlético.
