Real Madrid is one of the oldest clubs in Europe and the world. Many football players from all over the world have had the honour to play with their iconic white jersey and defend the Real Madrid crest and what it stands for. Below are the top 5 players that have made an impact in Real Madrid’s rich history:
5. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos transferred from Sevilla to Real Madrid at a very young age. Arguably, the best centre-back in the world during his prime years, Ramos managed to score a breath-taking 100 goals, which is record for a centre-back.
During his long stay in Madrid, he played 650 games and took over Iker Casillas as captain until he left. Apart from being a formidable football player with very slick ability on the pitch, Ramos was also a crucial member when the team had to grow. His mental strength, accompanied by his leadership and years of experience made of him the perfect captain and the player to boost the morale of the team in times of need.
Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid in 2021 for Paris Saint Germain after some disagreements with the white entity, putting many years of dedication and passion to a bitter end.
4. Karim Benzema
Don Karim, le Neuf, KB9 á la Maison. These are some of the names used to refer to Karim Benzema, the current captain of Real Madrid and third-highest scorer in the club’s history with 318 goals, behind only Raúl Gonzalez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Karim Benzema came to Real Madrid 14 years ago. He quickly stood out for his amazing playing style and his vision of the game. However, he also managed to adapt, because he stayed in a more secondary role when figures like Cristiano Ronaldo were present. When Cristiano left, Benzema put the team on his back and stepped up to perform the role of main character.
With him being in his prime, and very close to winning his first Ballon d´Or, it is fair to say that Benzema´s career at Real Madrid will probably last for a few more years.
3. Paco Gento
A true legend of the 1950s and 1960s and the only Real Madrid player to have won 6 European Cups, more than 600 games played and one of the best wingers in history. Paco Gento had one on the longest football careers, and he played alongside other club legends like Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo di Stefano. When he retired, Gento had racked up an impressive 200 goals, making him one of the top scorers in Real Madrid history.
Sadly, Paco Gento passed away in January 2022, leaving behind a sensational career at one of the best football clubs in world.
2. Alfredo di Stefano
At first, all odds were in favour of FC Barcelona. They were about to finalise the signing of this young promise, however, Real Madrid stepped in and ended up taking all of the cake. Not only would Alfredo di Stefano form part of Real Madrid but also ended up being an absolute legend of the entity.
The Argentinian won an impressive 8 LaLiga titles, accompanied by 5 straight European Cups, (only one less than Gento). Alfredo di Stefano was known for his all-around quality. He was a very explosive player that represented a constant danger for the rival. He was also a great leader on and off the pitch, aiding the morale of the team in times of need. He won two Ballon d’Ors during his career.
After di Stefano retired from playing more football, he went to start a new adventure as a coach. Although his magic in the football pitch is absolutely undisputed, it is true that in the benches he didn´t have the same success.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the undisputed number 1 in this list. He is Real Madrid´s biggest legend. Ronaldo already had a sensational career at Manchester United, but it was during his years at Real Madrid that he became the best player in the world. It was also while he was at Madrid that one of the most disputed rivalries in football history started to gain traction: Messi vs Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is, by far, the highest scorer in Real Madrid with a ground-breaking 451 goals. His projection in the club has been astonishing. He has conquered at least one of every major competition with the white t-shirt. An absolute master when it come to the finish. Equipped with an extremely ambitious personality and an incredible competitiveness, that is what has made him reach the top. Cristiano played a key role in the three consecutive Champions League Finals that Real Madrid won under Zinedine Zidane. Furthermore, he is also the top scorer of La Liga and the first ever player to surpass the 300 goal barrier in this same competition.
Cristiano left Real Madrid and is currently playing again for Manchester United after a brief spell at Juventus. Since he left Real Madrid, his achievements trophy-wise have been in decline, though his scoring appetite is still present.
