Here are six Africans who could influence LaLiga’s toughest title race

After 25 matchdays, only one point separates Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table.

Each of the top three clubs has African influence in their squads, and these players could play a crucial role in determining where the title goes this year. Here are six African stars who could shape the 2024/25 LaLiga season:

Read Also: Meet the 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid, Morocco)

Morocco international Brahim Diaz has featured in 80% of reigning champions Real Madrid’s LaLiga matches this season. His ability to score and create goals makes him an essential player in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, and his contributions will be vital in the title run-in for Los Blancos.

Reinildo Mandava (Atletico Madrid, Mozambique)

Reinildo Mandava has been a key figure at left-back in Diego Simeone’s famed defensive setup at Atlético Madrid. Now in his fourth season with the club, the Mozambican could be on his way to his first LaLiga title if Atleti can maintain their form.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Morocco/Equatorial Guinea)

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose father is from Morocco and mother from Equatorial Guinea, has been LaLiga’s top assist provider this season with 12 assists. With Barça currently leading the table, his creativity could be the key to their push for the title, especially if Real and Atlético Madrid drop points this weekend.

Real Betis and Athletic Club also have African stars who could have a say in the title race.

Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis, DR Congo)

Real Betis have climbed the table with just one loss in their last five games, a run sparked by Cedric Bakambu’s injury-time winner off the bench against RCD Mallorca. The DR Congo forward followed up with an assist in a 2-2 draw against high-flying Athletic Club. Betis host Real Madrid this weekend, and Bakambu—who last scored against them in 2017 while at Villarreal—could prove decisive again.

Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club, Ghana)

Athletic Club sit six points off the top and could stake their claim as title contenders if they beat Atlético Madrid. Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams has five goal contributions in his last seven league games, including a goal and an assist in a 7-1 rout of Real Valladolid. With 81 LaLiga goals, he is the league’s second-highest-scoring African player, behind only Samuel Eto’o. Williams also has five career league goals against Atlético, making him a potential game-changer.

Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis, Senegal)

Real Betis’ defence has been strengthened by the return of Youssouf Sabaly from a muscle injury. His impact was immediate, as Betis secured a win against Getafe in his first game back.

A key player in their 2021/22 Copa del Rey triumph, the Senegalese right-back is reliable defensively and has the potential to contribute in attack. With Brazilian winger Antony thriving in Betis’ attack, their combination could be a dangerous weapon.

The LaLiga title race is still too close to call, but one thing is certain: African players will play a pivotal role in determining where the trophy ends up this season.