Most loyal La Liga players: In today’s game, loyalty among footballers has become increasingly rare. Huge transfer fees and lucrative contracts see many top stars regularly switching clubs in search of new challenges or bigger paydays. However, in La Liga there are still some players who have remained devoted to just one team for remarkably long careers spent entirely at a single club. Here we analyze the longest continuously serving players for each La Liga side based on official squad data, highlighting the commitment shown by these modern-day one club men.
Nacho Fernández – Real Madrid
The player with the longest unbroken tenure at his club is Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández. The Spanish international has been on Los Blancos’ books since 2008, when he joined their youth academy at the age of 16. Now 32, Nacho has developed into a reliable squad player for Real, making over 500 appearances in all competitions. Despite interest from other European giants in his early career, Nacho’s loyalty to his boyhood club has seen him remain in the Spanish capital for an incredible 15 seasons so far.
Óscar de Marcos – Athletic Bilbao
In second place is Athletic Bilbao veteran Óscar de Marcos. The versatile midfielder is still going strong at the age of 33, having spent the last 13 years and counting serving his hometown club. De Marcos’ commitment to only representing Athletic epitomizes the Basque-only signing policy that makes them unique in world football. His longevity and professionalism have made him a role model for Bilbao’s famed youth academy graduates.
Koke – Atlético de Madrid
At Atlético Madrid, influential Spanish international Koke has been with the club since joining their youth setup all the way back in 2001 at the age of nine. Now 30, Koke has developed into Los Colchoneros’ captain and all-time leading La Liga appearance maker, notching over 500 games in the famous red and white stripes. His boyhood dream has been to represent only Atlético, and over 15 seasons later he is still fulfilling that ambition at the highest level.
Unai García – CA Osasuna
In Pamplona, CA Osasuna center-back Unai García is another one who never left his childhood club, having come through their youth ranks over a decade ago. Now 26, García is a key part of Osasuna’s efforts to establish themselves back in La Liga following promotion last season. His leadership and consistency have been invaluable assets during his 10 year career spent entirely in red and blue.
Benito Ramírez – UD Las Palmas
On the Canary Islands, UD Las Palmas veteran Benito Ramírez has shown similar loyalty, having been a mainstay for the Amarillos since 2010. The versatile 35-year-old is a fan favorite and role model for Las Palmas’ academy talents, proving that it’s possible to forge a long career while representing only your local team. His 11 seasons of service are a rarity in modern football.
Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad and Damián Suárez – Getafe CF
In the Basque country, two more one club men stand out – Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad and Getafe’s Damián Suárez. Oyarzabal came through La Real’s youth system in 2012 and is now club captain at just 25, while Argentine full-back Suárez has been a rock at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez since 2011. Both players have hit the 1000 appearance milestone for their respective clubs in recent seasons, showing incredible loyalty during careers spanning over a decade.
Manu Trigueros – Villarreal CF and Sergi Roberto – FC Barcelona
Moving along the east coast, Villarreal’s Manuel Trigueros is another La Liga veteran who has remained devoted to just one team. “Manu” came through El Submarino Amarillo’s academy in the late 2000s and is now in his 15th season, serving as an example for Villarreal’s next generation. Over in Catalonia, Barcelona academy graduate Sergi Roberto is also approaching a decade and a half of service after making his debut as a teenager back in 2008.
José Gayà – Valencia CF and Óscar Trejo – Rayo Vallecano
Captains of their respective teams, José Gayà and Óscar Trejo have also spent the best years of their careers representing just Valencia and Rayo Vallecano. Gayà is now in his 11th season since joining Los Che as a youngster, while Trejo continues to pull the strings in midfield for Rayo in his 9th campaign, having made over 200 appearances for the Madrid-based club.
Andrés Guardado – Real Betis Balompié
Further south, Real Betis stalwart Andrés Guardado is still going strong at 36 after first arriving in Seville way back in 2007 as a promising 21-year-old. The Mexican international shows no signs of slowing down and recently signed a new one-year deal, extending his incredible 15 season spell in green and white.
In conclusion, while big money moves see many stars switch clubs regularly, loyalty still exists in La Liga. The commitment shown by Nacho, Koke, Oyarzabal, Gayà and others to dedicate a decade or more in service of just one team is a rarity in the modern game. Their passion and professionalism are shining examples for the next generation of Spanish footballers, proving that in an era of short-termism, one club careers are still possible at the highest level. The bond between these players and their respective clubs will be remembered fondly by fans for years to come.
