From Lionel Messi to Joao Felix: 5 of the most expensive La Liga footballers in 2021

La Liga is the premier football league in Spain and is one of the world's most popular tournaments. Naturally, it has some big players across the clubs, while some happen to be costly ones in the world, including a GOAT. However, who tops the chart in 2021?

When it comes to one of the most popular football leagues globally, there are four of them that are immensely popular among fans. Meanwhile, Span's La Liga happens to be one of them.

Owing to its popularity and success, numerous renowned and top players play in the league, alongside some leading Spanish clubs. Furthermore, owing to its popularity and success, the competition and the clubs earn handsome bucks.

Naturally, some of La Liga players draw big bucks, not just in Spain, but across the globe. On the same note, we look at the five of the tournament's most expensive players for the year.

Thibaut Courtois
The Belgium national goalkeeper is one of the best in the world and is currently associated with Real Madrid, that too is one of the best football clubs in the world. Since 2018, he has already won three titles with the side, while he had also won numerous titles with Atletico Madrid before, and Chelsea in the English Premier League. He was signed up by Madrid for £35 million and is valued at £67.5 million currently in the transfer market.

Lionel Messi
Well, the Argentine sensation and one of the modern-day GOATs has to be in the list. However, the surprising factor is that the Barcelona legend is not the most valuable one and is placed fourth. While he happens to be the second most high-earned player globally, his market value has degraded over the years, owing to his age and performance. As of 2021, he is valued £72 million.

Ansu Fati
The Spanish winger had begun his senior career with Barca since 2019. Having played 43 games, he has managed to score 13 goals. Although he is yet to win a title with the side, he has already managed to feature in UEFA La Liga Revelation Team of the Year for 2019-20 and La Liga Player of the Month for September 2020. Recognised as the next big thing for Spain, he is currently valued £72 million, alongside Messi, in the transfer market.

Jan Oblak
The second goalkeeper in the list, as Slovenia's Oblak is turning out to be a legend at Atletico. Since 2014, he has played 283 games for the side. Although he has won just three titles with the side, he has numerous accolades to his name. He won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for La Liga's best goalkeeper on three occasions, besides holding the record of conceding the least goals in a season (18 in 2015-16). He was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or on two occasions. While he was roped in by Atletico for €16 million at a then-record fee for a goalkeeper in La Liga, he is currently valued at £81 million.

João Félix
And, here comes the surprise. While most of you would be unaware, the most expensive La Liga player is in the form of Portuguese striker, Felix, who plays for Atletico. Having been signed up in 2019 for a whopping £113 million, he has time and again proved his worth. In 61 games, he has scored 18 goals for the side. While he is yet to win a title for the side, he looks set to win the La Liga this season.

Nonetheless, he does have a good amount of individual accolades and is currently valued £90 million in the transfer market. He is undoubtedly a future hotshot, as Atletico could witness a bidding war with some top clubs for him. Anyway, it's improbable that he is to leave anytime soon.