La Liga, officially called the Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera División, is the highest professional football league in Spain. It was established in 1929 by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The first season featured ten teams, and FC Barcelona became the inaugural champions. In its early years, the league was dominated by clubs like Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. However, the competition was suspended during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939.

In the 1950s and 60s, Real Madrid rose to prominence with legendary players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, marking the beginning of their dominance both in Spain and across Europe. The 1970s and 80s saw increased competition from clubs like Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad. During this time, Johan Cruyff joined Barcelona, leaving a lasting legacy on the club’s playing philosophy. The 1990s were characterized by a more balanced competition, with teams like Deportivo La Coruña and Valencia winning titles. The Bosman ruling during this decade also changed European football, allowing greater freedom of movement for players and transforming squad compositions.