December Showdown: Mbappe, Yamal and the La Liga Player of the Month contenders

December's La Liga Player of the Month nominees: Mbappe, Yamal, and more

Spain's top flight revealed the official shortlist for December's Best Player award, highlighting five stars who shone in the latest set of fixtures. Mbappe of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona lead the group, joined by Koke of Atlético Madrid, and keepers Ionut Radu (Celta Vigo) and Germán Valera (Elche) who impressed with notable displays.

Numbers and timing: who stands out and when the winner is named

Yamal is back in the frame after taking November's prize, while Mbappe has already claimed the honor twice this season, underscoring his sustained impact since arriving in La Liga.

In December, Mbappe featured in four matches for Real Madrid, scoring four goals and providing one assist, making him one of the team’s top contributors.

Meanwhile, Yamal played four league games for Barcelona, scoring two goals and continuing his dazzling form.

The winner will be decided soon as voting opens, with a tight battle among the five nominees who made the difference for their clubs in December.

And now, for a touch of humor: may the best player win, and may their trophy forgive them for all those post-match celebrations. If not, there’s always a consolation goal… in the coffee break!