By OkayGoal 
The 2026-27 La Liga season kicks off next week with a pair of U.S. Men’s National Team players looking to standout.
Johnny Cardoso and Alex Freeman remain as the lone two American players in Spain’s top-flight and both have high aspirations of delivering strong campaigns with their clubs.
Cardoso is seeking to bounce back from an injury that forced him to miss the FIFA World Cup while Freeman is coming off a debut in the summer competition.
Here is a look at the pair of American players heading into the La Liga season:
Johnny Cardoso, Atletico Madrid
Johnny Cardoso’s first season with Atletico Madrid was filled with both ups and downs.
Cardoso made 30 appearances in Diego Simeone’s squad, scoring once in UEFA Champions League play. The 24-year-old’s final outing came back on May 5 before an injury forced him out of contention for the FIFA World Cup.
Atletico Madrid will aim to part of the La Liga title race this season and a healthy Cardoso could prove important to the club’s chances.
Alex Freeman, Villarreal
Alex Freeman gave Villarreal fans a small glimpse of his long-term potential in the squad after arriving mid-season from Orlando City.
Freeman made nine appearances for the Spanish club before logging four starts for the USMNT at the FIFA World Cup. The versatile fullback/wingback has enjoyed a rapid rise to his professional career and will now seek to build off those positive showings ahead of his first full season abroad.
Villarreal’s top-five finish clinched them a spot into the UEFA Champions League where Freeman is set to make his tournament debut.
What are you hoping to see from Cardoso and Freeman this season?
Share your thoughts below.