Carlos Espí Nominated for LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player of the Season
Carlos Espí nominated for LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player with 11 league goals for Levante; rivals include Fermín, Arda Güler, Moleiro and Víctor Muñoz.
Carlos Espí has been named among the finalists for the LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player of the Season, the league announced on May 26, 2026. The Levante forward, who finished the campaign as his club’s top scorer, earned a place on a five-man shortlist that highlights the season’s most promising young talent. The nomination cements Espí’s rapid rise after he was also voted LaLiga’s best player for March.
Espí’s selection underlines his influence in Levante’s attack and places him in contention alongside high-profile youngsters from Spain’s top clubs. The LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player award recognises players aged 23 or under whose performances have been decisive over the domestic season. This nomination is a notable milestone in Espí’s career and reflects his consistency across league and cup competitions.
Nominees and club representation
Carlos Espí joins a diverse shortlist that balances young talent from both established and emerging teams in Spain. The other four nominees are Fermín of FC Barcelona, Arda Güler of Real Madrid, Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal CF, and Víctor Muñoz of CA Osasuna.
The list showcases a mix of styles and roles, from creative midfielders to clinical forwards, and underscores how clubs across LaLiga have invested in developing players under 23. Representation from Barcelona and Real Madrid on the shortlist highlights the continued production of elite youth, while nominations for players from Levante, Villarreal and Osasuna draw attention to impactful contributions outside the traditional powerhouses.
Season statistics and scoring contribution
Espí completed the league campaign as Levante’s leading scorer with 11 goals in Primera División, adding two more in the Copa del Rey for a total of 13 competitive goals. Those returns made Espí a focal point of Levante’s attacking play and a consistent threat inside the penalty area throughout the season.
Beyond raw numbers, Espí’s goals often arrived at decisive moments for Levante, helping the team secure key points and providing a reliable outlet in transition. His scoring record, combined with an increased role in build-up play, contributed to his recognition as the club’s standout young performer.
Performance highlights and March recognition
Espí’s form peaked during the spring, a period that saw him awarded LaLiga’s Player of the Month for March. That monthly honour reflected a sequence of strong displays in which he combined finishing ability with intelligent movement and increasing involvement in Levante’s tactical plan.
The March award amplified Espí’s visibility nationally and set the tone for his end-of-season candidacy for the under-23 prize. Observers noted his growing composure in front of goal and improved link-up play, attributes that helped him stand out among peers in similar positions across the division.
Impact on Levante’s campaign
Levante relied on Espí as a central figure in attack, and his goals materially affected the club’s results over the season. His presence stretched opposition defences and opened spaces for teammates, allowing Levante to operate with greater directness on the counter and more penetration in the final third.
For a club balancing resource constraints with competitive objectives, Espí’s emergence provided a tangible sporting return and potential transfer value. The nomination highlights Levante’s ability to nurture talent capable of performing under pressure in LaLiga’s demanding environment.
Award context and significance for young players
The LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player recognition is designed to spotlight emerging talent and to celebrate those whose contributions exceed expectations for their age group. Being shortlisted places a player in a high-profile conversation about future internationals and marketable assets in Spanish football.
For Espí, inclusion on the final list brings increased attention from national team scouts and potential suitors, while offering validation of his development pathway. The award also helps raise the profile of clubs such as Levante that invest in integrating young players into senior roles.
Career trajectory and outlook
At 22 years old, Espí’s nomination arrives at a pivotal moment in his career, when consistent top-flight performances can accelerate progression to higher-profile teams or international recognition. His statistical output and month-by-month improvement this season suggest a player capable of adapting to more demanding tactical systems and sustained responsibility.
How Espí capitalises on this nomination will depend on contract decisions, club plans for the summer transfer window and his ability to maintain progression in training and matches. The coming months will be critical in deciding whether he remains at Levante as a cornerstone or moves to advance his career at a larger club.
Final thoughts
The LaLiga EA Sports Under-23 Player nomination for Carlos Espí on May 26, 2026, is both a personal milestone and a statement about Levante’s role in developing young talent. His 11-goal league return and additional cup strikes built a compelling case for inclusion, and he now stands alongside peers from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Osasuna for an award that can shape the next phase of his career.
