The 2026-27 Spanish La Liga season will kick off this weekend with a clash between Alaves and Getafe, as action resumes with teams battling for the opportunity to dethrone Barcelona and be crowned champions of Spain over the course of the season.
Several African footballers made the move to the league over the summer, while some others who played in La Liga last season will be eyeing more influential roles in the new campaign as they look to play a more important part for their respective clubs.
Here are five African stars to watch out for as the new La Liga season gets underway.
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid)
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman headlines the list of African footballers in the La Liga as he will be eyeing a more influential role for Atletico Madrid in the coming season.
The 28-year-old joined the club earlier in the year and enjoyed an impressive start to life, helping them reach the Copa del Rey final last season.
With Antoine Griezmann now out of the club and Julian Alvarez likely to follow, Lookman could take on a bigger role in attack and will be hoping to continue his fine form and help them as they look to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title, while also finishing the season with at least a major silverware.
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Yan Diomande (Real Madrid)
Ivorian forward Yan Diomande recently completed a record breaking move to Real Madrid in a deal worth €125 million and could rise up to €140 million including add-ons from RB Leipzig.
The 19-year-old was impressive in the Bundesliga last season, winning the Rookie of the Year award and helping the Red Bull club return to the Champions League.
However, he faces an entirely different challenge in Spain and will be part of an attack that also includes superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, as Real Madrid hope to end their trophyless streak under Jose Mourinho, who returned for a second stint this summer.
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Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal)
Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe has been knocked off the top as the most expensive African footballer in history by Yan Diomande, but will still be looking to play a crucial role for Villarreal as the season gets underway.
The Yellow Submarines begin their campaign against newly promoted Racing Santander on Sunday and the former Arsenal forward will be looking to use his pace and shooting ability to cause problem and help his side begin the season with a good result away from home.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Deportivo A Coruña)
Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is another African star who will be looking for a lasting impact in the 2026-27 La Liga season, following his move to newly promoted Deportivo earlier in the summer.
The former Arsenal striker will be hoping to lead the line for the club on their return to the Spanish top flight, beginning with their first match against Elche on Monday.
Aubameyang previously played for Barcelona in 2022 and will be hoping for another impressive time in Spain, as he prepares to bring an end to a remarkable career that has spanned spells across England, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
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Abdoulaye Faye (Celta Vigo)
Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye rounds off this list as he hopes to make a lasting impression for Celta Vigo in the upcoming La Liga campaign.
The 21-year-old only joined the club on a loan deal from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, but will be looking to immediately break into their lineup, as they begin their campaign at home against Osasuna on Sunday.
Faye’s composure on the ball and physical presence will be very crucial throughout the campaign and he will be aiming to make a good impression and potentially extend his stay at the club beyond one season.
