La Liga official inventory of new faces in the new season: Arnold and Rashford lead

Hupu August 6th The 2025/26 season is destined to attract the attention of global fans. Many new faces are about to appear on the La Liga stage. They look forward to taking this opportunity to show their strength and conquer the audience. From the talented coach Alonso to the highly anticipated star Rashford, let’s take a look at the new faces that have appeared in the La Liga in the new season.

Xavi Alonso (Real Madrid)

club meritorious coach Ancelotti left office, former Real Madrid midfielder Alonso took over as head coach. Alonso played for Real Madrid for five seasons, during which he won the La Liga title in the 2011/12 season, the UEFA Champions League in the 2013/14 season, the Copa del Rey in the 2010/11 and 2013/14 seasons, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2012/13 season. After retiring, Alonso began his coaching career with Real Madrid youth training team, then coached Real Sociedad B team, and successfully led the team to the Spanish Second Division in his second season. Since then, he has transferred to the Bundesliga and became the head coach of Leverkusen in October 2022. Alonso led the team to achieve many good results, helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and German Cup double championships with his unbeaten record, and won the Europa League runner-up in 2024. As one of the hottest coaches in recent years, 43-year-old Alonso has been highly expected, and fans are looking forward to him bringing new vitality to Real Madrid with his personal charm and tactical wisdom.

David Hanzko (Atletico Madrid)

In order to adjust the lineup, Atletico Madrid has introduced several powerful players, including 27-year-old defender Hanzko. Hanzko's outstanding performance at Slovakia club Zilina won him the opportunity to join Serie A Fiorentina. He then played for Sparta Prague for a short time, then transferred to Feyenoord, and quickly became the team's absolute main player. During his time at Feyenoord, he won the Dutch Eredivisie championship in the 2022/23 season, the Dutch Cup in the 2023/24 season and the Dutch Super Cup in the 2024 season. This summer, he chose to switch to La Liga and join Atletico Madrid coached by Simeone. Hanzko made his debut in the Slovak national team in 2018 and is now the backbone of the team's defense, with more than 50 appearances on behalf of the national team. This versatile player who can be competent for centre-backs and left-backs is expected to bring vitality and freshness to Atletico Madrid's defense line.

Trent Alexander Arnold (Real Madrid)

This summer, Real Madrid successfully introduced one of Europe's top right-backs - Trent Alexander Arnold from Liverpool. The England international has grown up in Liverpool's youth training system since childhood, and has been promoted to the first team step by step and has become a club legend. In February 2024, he gave his 58th assist in his Premier League career, setting a record for assists from the Premier League defender. During his time at Liverpool, Arnold received almost all heavyweight honors, including Premier League championships in 2019/20 and 2024/25, and Champions League championships in 2018/19. At present, Arnold has made his debut for the Club World Cup for Real Madrid, and Real Madrid fans are also looking forward to his wonderful performance in the La Liga in the new season.

Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)

Rashford, as one of the most impressive signings this summer window, joined Barcelona from Manchester United on loan for one season. As a player produced by Manchester United's youth training, the England international made his first team debut at the age of 18, and quickly settled in the main position and made his mark in the Red Devils formation. However, he gradually fell out of favor with Amorin and was loaned to Aston Villa in the second half of last season, where he regained form. Now that he joins Barcelona, Rashford will form a forward line with Yamal, Lewandowski and Rafinia. He will try to prove himself and revive his career.

Edel Sarabia (Elche)

As early as 2015, Sarabia joined Kik Setien's coaching staff and started his La Liga coaching journey in Las Palmas. Ten years later, the 44-year-old coach returned to La Liga to serve as Elche's head coach. Sarabia has served as Setien's assistant coach at Real Betis and Barcelona. In 2021, he ushered in his first opportunity to coach as a head coach, leading Andorra FC to the Spanish Second Division with historic advance. Last summer, Sarabia took over Elche and led the team back to La Liga in its first season. The team successfully upgraded with the second place in the standings and set a record for the best defensive record in the Spanish Second Division with only 34 goals in 42 games. After returning to the top league, Sarabia will do his best to lead Elche to consolidate his position in La Liga.