ESPN will begin their coverage of the 2021-22 La Liga season on the right foot, as six former footballers will share their experiences in La Liga as analysts when the games are being played and on all La Liga related shows aired by the network.
The company announced that Hugo Sánchez, Diego Forlán, Mario Kempes, Steve McManaman, Luis García, and Pablo Zabaleta will be the in-house analysts for the Spanish top-flight games aired or streamed by ESPN. Sánchez, Forlán, and Kempes will be part of ESPN's Spanish-language coverage, while McManaman, García, and Zabaleta take care of the English-spoken option.
The resume for all six analysts adds up to seven league titles, four Copa del Rey crowns, and three more UEFA Champions League trophies. If that eas not enough, these players combined for 521 league goals, led by Hugo Sánchez's 234, Forlan's 128, and Kempes' 126. These three strikers won nine Pichichi titles, so their advice and expertise come highly recommended.
"We are pleased to have these legendary players represent LaLiga on ESPN+ and ESPN networks for the foreseeable future. This group reflects our commitment and ambition to elevate how soccer fans in the U.S. experience LaLiga matches and exciting storylines throughout the year across our platforms," Rodolfo Martinez, International Vice President for ESPN Deportes Production, stated.
Bilingual analysts will appear on Spanish- and English-language pregame, halftime, and post-game programs across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+, in addition to highlights and analysis shows including SportsCenter, ESPN FC Jorge Ramos y su Banda and Fuera de Juego.
The first game for the 2021-22 La Liga season to be available on all ESPN platforms will be the clash between Valencia and Getafe, scheduled to be played on August 13, 2021. The season-opening weekend will include the first LaLiga on ABC broadcast – Barcelona FC vs. Real Sociedad – on Sunday, Aug. 15, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Check your local listings and our dedicated La Liga website here for more info on all games being aired or streamed on ESPN's platforms.
