Best 10 Greatest Players In The History Of Real Madrid
Real Madrid is the club of the century. It is not just a Spanish professional football club but one with immense history and honour. It is a name that evokes many different emotions, the weight of dreams and echoes of victories, and a legacy that spans generations.
Over its remarkable 121-year history, the club has nurtured and delivered the world of football with exceptional talent. Amidst the group of stars, some talents won the hearts of millions and left a huge imprint worldwide.
As the club continues to evolve over the years, every generation brings something new, every new talent shocks the world while legends before them guide their path to greatness. This article offers a different view of the top 10 greatest players in the history of Real Madrid.
1: Cristiano Ronaldo
A formidable force, a figure you cannot ignore on the field. He’s often called a machine, a total powerhouse who is known to give his 100% whenever he’s out there to play. Every season he scored over 30 goals for the clubs and twice he scored more than 60. He scored 450 goals in 438 appearances for the club.
His list of achievements is long, from four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and three consecutive FIFA Club World Cup Trophies. Ronaldo is not only known for his ability as a striker but his leadership on the field is not hidden. Captain or not he knows how to lead his team to victory. Cristiano will always be remembered as a legend for Real Madrid.
2: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has left a remarkable footprint on Real Madrid, both as a player and a manager. As a player, he took Real Madrid to new heights and redefined the purpose of attacking midfielder with his unmatched skills and strength. He had excellent control of the ball and the ability to make smooth passes without losing the ball to opponents. He is among the best midfielders in the history of the sport.
Zidane’s extraordinary volley in the Champions League final gave Real Madrid their ninth European Cup. His achievements as a player include winning La Liga titles in 2 seasons, the Intercontinental Cup in 2002, and many more.
Zidane came back later as if his glories were not enough as a player to win a ton more titles for Madrid as a manager. Under Zidane’s management, Real Madrid won the three-peat Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2018. No manager has won more European titles like he did with Madrid.
3: Iker Casillas
One of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of football, he had a remarkable career in the club. He is famous for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and leadership skills. He first debuted in the club in 1999 at the age of 18.
Casillas played a key role in helping Real Madrid secure numerous La Liga titles during his tenure, including the seasons of 2000-2001, 2002-2003, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008, won the UEFA Champions League three times and was also a part of the FIFA Club World Cup team in 2014. One of the most loyal players to brace the fields of Real Madrid. Casillas gave all his heart and soul to the game. He will always be remembered as a legend of Real Madrid.
4: Sergio Ramos
A highly esteemed Spanish professional football player who is known for his excellent skills as a centre-back and for sixteen seasons spent playing for Real Madrid. He was appointed as the captain of the club in 2015.
He is just not a defensive player, he has a record to prove his goal-scoring abilities. His ability to read the game, make crucial goals, and lead the teams makes him an invaluable player in the history of Real Madrid. The 2015 10-2 victory of the club over Rayo Vallecano is an example of his efficient captaincy. He has won 4 UEFA Champions League titles and 2 UEFA European Championships with the club.
When a player joins a club they don’t know how long they will stay but he chose to remain with the team, becoming one of the oldest serving captains. In November 2020 he scored his 100th goal for the club in all competitions.
Sergio Ramos has helped the team in crucial moments such as the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid where he scored a header to equalise and eventually win the title in extra time. It is very difficult for any player to match the class and aura of Ramos in defence.
5: Karim Benzema
The second most successful goal scorer and top assist provider of Real Madrid club. Karim Benzema is a French professional football player. His time with Real Madrid has been a song of victory and a journey of self-improvement. From learning to work hard to become the fastest goal scorer ever in El Clasico, he has done justice to his talent.
A player often criticized by numerous false controversies yet he always comes on top. The player played most of his career with Cristiano in Real Madrid or under his shadow since his stardom did not let Karim take the limelight for himself. Benzema proved that he was one of the best strikers of this generation and continued to win the Champions League without Cristiano and eventually went on to win the Ballon d’Or.
Benzema has won 24 trophies with the club which includes four La Liga, three Copa del Rey, and five UEFA Champions League titles.
6: Luka Modric
It is hard to ignore the magic of Luka Modric, a Croatian magician who covers the field tirelessly, controls the tempo of the game, can dribble through tight spots, and plans attacks from the midfield.
The trio of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro is unmatched and is still one of the best in history. He was one of the biggest assets to the team and one who could be relied on heavily in difficult circumstances. In 2024 Modric become the player with the most Champions League titles and retained his legend status at the club.
Modric joined the club in 2012, has six Champions League titles under his belt, the FIFA’s Best Men Player award in 2018 and a Ballon d’Or to his name.
7: Alfredo Di Stefano
During the 1950s and 1960s, he was a goal-scoring machine for Real Madrid. Not only could he score goals but could also play in different positions across the front lines. He is known for his gameplay and passing ability. He considered Madrid his second home and was deeply connected to the club.
Stefano won numerous domestic and international honours with Real Madrid, including eight La Liga titles and five consecutive European Cups. He later became a coach and club president of the club.
8: Ferenc Puskas
Legendary Hungarian forward fondly called The Galloping Major had a unique ability to score from unimaginable angles. It was him against all the odds and he created magic on the field. He joined Real Madrid in 1958 and stayed till 1966. During his time in the club, he formed a partnership with Alfredo Stefano, a deadly attacking combination. He scored four hat-tricks in his first season, his most iconic display of the game remains the 1960 European club final where he scored four goals leading his team.
Before coming to Madrid he already had made a name and career for himself but at 31 years old Puskas decided to take the leap and rediscover himself. He was part of the Madrid team that won five consecutive La Liga titles and lifted the European Club five times.
9: Hugo Sanchez
The Mexican Legend was part of Real Madrid in the 1980’s. He had a natural ability to score goals. He was present at the right time to receive passes and convert them into goals. He played a major role in the club’s domestic success helping them secure many La Liga titles. He played a key role in Real Madrid’s triumph in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1984-1985 season.
He was awarded the European Golden Shoe in the 1989-1990 season. Hugo is an iconic figure in both Real Madrid and Mexican football history.
10: Pepe
Pepe is a world-famous defender known for his aggressive style of play. He has millions of fans worldwide and has played a key role in taking Real Madrid to new heights. He joined the club back in 2007 and contributed to its success in winning numerous La Liga titles, and UEFA Champions League trophies.
A defender feared by many great players in his time, Pepe was extremely ruthless and knew what was to be done to save the day.