In an impressive milestone, Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid has matched the La Liga appearances record set by Lionel Messi, further cementing his status among the league's greats. As of March 19, 2025, Griezmann made his 520th league appearance during a match against Barcelona, a feat that highlights his remarkable consistency and durability throughout his career.
Griezmann’s achievement is extraordinary, especially when considering Messi's unparalleled legacy in the league. The Argentine, who departed Barcelona for Miami in 2021 due to financial strains at the club, holds a plethora of records in La Liga, including being the top goalscorer and assist provider. With Griezmann now on par with Messi in terms of appearances, he looks poised to take the outright record in the near future, assuming he maintains his health and form.
The top ten foreign players with the most appearances in La Liga tell an intriguing story of talent, dedication, and a few surprising entries. Sharing the tenth spot with Griezmann is Mauro Silva, a retired Brazilian professional who played for Real Deportivo from 1992 to 2005, boasting 369 appearances. Silva was pivotal in Deportivo’s success during his time, contributing to their league title and multiple cup victories.
Inaki Williams rounds out the current top ten. He currently plays for Athletic Bilbao and has declared his nationality for Ghana in 2022. As of now, Williams is aiming to surpass Silva's record at Deportivo.
Roberto Carlos, the famed Brazilian left-back who made 370 appearances in La Liga, stands ninth on the all-time foreign appearances list. Known for his incredible free-kick ability, Carlos was an integral part of the Galacticos at Real Madrid, contributing to their multiple Champions League and league victories.
Valery Karpin follows in eighth place, having played for Real Sociedad, Valencia, and Celta Vigo between 1994 and 2005, ultimately amassing 384 La Liga appearances. He is now the manager of the Russian national team, continuing to influence football beyond his playing years.
In sixth place, two all-time greats—Marcelo and Luka Modric—are tied with 386 appearances. Marcelo, known for his flair and attacking prowess as a left-back at Real Madrid, helped the team secure numerous titles, including five Champions League trophies. Although he retired in 2024, his legacy at the club remains strong. Modric, now in his late thirties, continues to compete at a high level, having recently extended his contract with Real Madrid, indicating his importance to the squad.
Dani Alves, another notable mention, comes in fifth. Having initially joined Sevilla and then moved to Barcelona, he became recognized as one of the best right-backs in football history. Alves played 175 times for Sevilla before making a €32.5 million transfer to the Camp Nou, where he created a formidable partnership with Messi. After a short stint away, Alves returned to Barcelona before his retirement in 2023. However, he was later embroiled in legal troubles, resulting in a prison sentence.
Fourth on this list is Ivan Rakitic, known for his work rate and technical ability. After replacing the iconic Xavi at Barcelona, Rakitic won significant accolades, including the Champions League in 2015, before returning to Sevilla and later moving to Croatia's Hajduk Split.
Karim Benzema, a key figure in Real Madrid’s history, is third with 421 appearances. He scored 238 times and was instrumental during his tenure, especially after Ronaldo's departure. Benzema's skill ensured he remained a crucial part of the attacking setup even as he transitioned to newer roles within the squad.
Notably, Griezmann and Messi are now both tied at the top with 520 La Liga appearances, a testament to their unmatched careers in the league. Messi's records in goals and assists are legendary, making his presence felt even after leaving Barcelona. For Griezmann, stepping into Messi's realm of legendary status was always going to be a monumental task, yet with his unparalleled durability—missed just 25 games due to injury over his career—he's shown himself to be a consistent and reliable performer.
In summation, the evolving landscape of La Liga continues to highlight these players' remarkable journeys and contributions to the game. Griezmann's matching of Messi's appearance record marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing a different approach to achieving greatness in a league dominated by sheer talent and legacy. His future endeavors will be closely watched as he edges closer to setting a new benchmark for appearances in La Liga.
