In short: La Liga winners do not officially receive individual winner’s medals, and what it means for players like Piqué or Partey who barely featured or retired during title-winning campaigns.
What does La Liga officially do
Trophy presentation
When a club wins La Liga, the main recognition is the championship trophy. The captain of the winning team lifts the trophy in a ceremony at the final matchday (or sometimes later). There are celebrations, photos, fan parades, and official recognition—but no official league-issued medals are given to individual players by La Liga as part of the winners’ package.
League regulations and statements
La Liga’s rules and official communications have made clear that they do not distribute medals to players when a team wins the title. This has been confirmed repeatedly in media coverage: when questions arise—e.g. “Will Piqué get a medal for winning La Liga?”—the consistent answer is no, because “La Liga do not hand out medals.”
So while a player is recognized as a La Liga champion (which counts in their honours and records), the formal, physical reward of a medal.
What about club-issued or fan/club medals
Though La Liga itself does not issue medals, many clubs, fans, the media, or local/regional organizations sometimes produce commemorative medals, special shirts, or other memorabilia to honor players after a title win. These are not official league awards, but they are real and meaningful.
For example, after Barcelona won the La Liga title, the club released special shirts featuring the names of all players who “earned a winner’s medal this season” in the club’s own recognition. That indicates that clubs may choose internally to reward their squad with medals or memorabilia.
So while La Liga does not provide medals, clubs often take it upon themselves to recognize contributions, even.
Comparison with other major leagues
To appreciate how La Liga’s policy stands out, let’s compare:
- Premier League (England): Players making a certain number of appearances receive a winner’s medal provided by the league.
- Bundesliga (Germany): Clubs get medals to distribute among players; usually league provides enough for squad and staff.
- Serie A (Italy): Similarly, medals are given by the league or federation to the winning side’s players.
In contrast, La Liga’s lack of an official medal system makes it unique among major European leagues. Fans or media often remark on this, especially when a standout player or veteran with few minutes misses out on what many see as a symbolic recognition.
Notable examples and controversies
Here are some instances when the topic of La Liga winner medals drew attention:
- Gerard Piqué (Barcelona): After the Blaugrana won the 2022-23 La Liga title, many asked whether Piqué, who retired midway, would receive a medal. Media response made it clear: no La Liga medal, because none are issued. But he is still recognized as a champion given his appearances before retirement that season.
- Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid): Similar discussions arose regarding his role and whether he would get a medal; again, because La Liga doesn’t distribute medals, he will not receive one through the league.
Why doesn’t La Liga issue medals?
While there is no definitive public explanation from La Liga’s governing body about why they don’t give medals, several plausible reasons and observations emerge:
- Historical tradition: Spanish leagues seem historically less inclined to distribute individual medals for league competitions. The championship trophy itself is central; individual medals may not have been part of earlier customs.
- Logistical reasons: Determining exactly how many medals, to whom (players, reserves, staff), and accounting for mid-season transfers or retirements, can be administratively complex.
- Club autonomy: Since clubs regularly produce their own commemorative recognition (shirts, medals, bonuses, etc.), maybe La Liga has left such personalization to the clubs rather than standardizing it.
- Media/ fan expectations: The lack of league medals often comes up as a talking point, especially comparing to other leagues. Fans and players sometimes see it as overlooking symbolic recognition.
What this means for players and records
Because La Liga does not hand out winner-medals:
- Players’ official honours include “La Liga Champion” or the number of titles won, regardless of whether they played many or any matches—if they registered as part of the squad.
- There is no physical league medal from La Liga that counts as part of official recognition.
Clubs, however, can compensate by giving internal medals or displays. Fans often attach emotional weight to receiving a medal, especially for veterans or those with fewer opportunities—so the absence of a league medal has symbolic importance in players’ personal legacies.
Conclusion
Do La Liga winners get medals? In the formal, league-issued sense: no. La Liga awards the trophy and acknowledges champions, but does not give individual medals to players. Yet clubs often step in, producing their own medals or commemorative recognition.
If you’re a player fan, looking up what your favorite did: remember, “La Liga champion” goes on records regardless of medal, but seeing a physical medal or special shirt depends on the club.
If you enjoyed this deep dive, SansBall invites you to explore more: how many appearances are needed in other leagues to earn a medal, or which clubs are the most generous with player recognition. Want me to compare La Liga’s policy to the Premier League or Serie A?
