The new #LaLigaAmbassadors team step forward

They took Spanish football to all corners of the planet during the heights of their playing days and now they will be working with LaLiga to grow its image across the globe. We are talking about the new #LaLigaAmbassadors team, who were introduced at a fittingly spectacular gala event.

Fernando Morientes, David Albelda, Michel Salgado, Carles Puyol, Vero Boquete, Ismael Urzaiz, Cesar, Frederic Kanoute, Marcos Senna, Christian Karembeu, Milinko Pantic and Gaizka Mendieta have been joined by three 'new signings' this season: Xavi Hernandez, Kiko and David Villa. Together, this dream team will be charged with flying the flag for the competition all over the world.

The efforts of this star-studded cast will be overseen by Fernando Sanz, a LaLiga global ambassador as well as the organisation's MENA office manager and director of international projects. "The LaLiga Ambassadors programme has been a resounding success. It is the most successful of all the international projects we've rolled out at LaLiga and, dare I say, it's even won us admiration. It's a real privilege to be part of this team," Sanz said during the ceremony. He was joined at the event by Mutiu Adepoju, LaLiga's sub-director for Nigeria, who will be leading the line when it comes to boosting the brand's reach and prominence in southern Africa.

The ambassadors took to the stage sequentially, according to their position, and answered questions put to them by the gala's hosts. First up was the only goalkeeper in the team, Cesar, after which came the defenders, the midfielders and the forwards, in that order. Then the new ambassadors were presented with a shirt with their name on the back by Fernando Sanz, before the proceedings were brought to an end with a group photo featuring the full #LaLigaAmbassadors lineup alongside LaLiga vice-presidents Clemente Villaverde and Victor Martin.

David Villa, one of the recent recruits, expressed his delight at his new role. "It's a great challenge. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to lend LaLiga a hand so it can gain more recognition in the United States and bolster its image worldwide. I hope I can rise to the task and help LaLiga grow across the planet," he enthused.