The most notable Real Madrid players of all time
A behemoth in the football scene, Real Madrid is known for intense games, high-profile players, and breaking records. The club boasts the record for the most La Liga titles acquired (35) and UEFA Championships won (14).
The promise of excitement and spectacle continuously keeps football at the top of the sports streaming trends in Europe and worldwide. Real Madrid has an established tradition and boasts a large community of fans who follow its matches.
To honour the club and its rich history, we look at some of its most notable players.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Tenure: 2009-2018
Position: Forward
The famous Portuguese player is no stranger to breaking football records. Currently the top scorer in football history, with 816 goals, he is also the highest goalscorer for Real Madrid, with 450 to be exact, and the fastest player to score 300 goals for a single club. During his nine years in Real Madrid, the accomplished attacker helped the club secure two La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo’s brilliant performance won him the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award three times.
SERGIO RAMOS
Tenure: 2005-2021
Position: Defender
One of the premier defenders, Ramos is a passionate player with a winning mentality. He made 671 appearances over 16 seasons with the team and scored an incredible 101 goals from the defence position. Hardly a player can withstand his physicality, strength, and endurance or match his grit on the field. Ramos holds awards for the best defender and has had eleven appearances in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
ALFREDO DI STEFANO
Tenure: 1953-1964
Position: Forward
A successful career made Di Stefano a legend and the club’s symbol. The Argentine dominated the football scene in the 50s and 60s with incredible skill and stamina, securing the club five consecutive European Cup victories and eight La Liga titles. In recognition of his accomplishments, Di Stefano was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959, an annual football award presented by the French football magazine France Football.
FERENC PUSKAS
Tenure: 1958-1967
Position: Forward
Puskas was 31 when he joined Real Madrid, an age when footballers are usually considered past their peak. The Hungarian striker’s stocky build and short stature belied his impressive speed and accurate left-foot shot. His capabilities were essential in attaining three European Cup titles and five consecutive La Liga titles. After his death, FIFA named their award for the most aesthetically striking goal after Puskas.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Tenure: 2001-2006
Position: Midfielder
FIFA named Zidane the World Player of the Year three times. His elegance, strength, and superb technical skills made him a successful player, manager, and adviser for the club. The French footballer first joined Real Madrid in 2001 and won the Champions League title and the European Super Cup the following year.
RAUL
Tenure: 1992-2010
Position: Forward
Displaying discipline and dynamic ball control, Raul gave his all in every game he’s played. He helped secure six La Liga titles and three European Cup victories. He first appeared in a Champions League match at the age of 18. During his time in Real Madrid, Raul scored 323 goals across 741 games.
IKER CASILLAS
Tenure: 1999-2015
Position: Goalkeeper
Casillas grew up playing football and joined the Real Madrid youth system at the tender age of nine. At 18 years old, he became the youngest goalkeeper to play in a Championship League final match. Casillas played in 725 official games, winning a total of 19 titles. He was named the best goalkeeper by IFFHS and was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times.
Real Madrid has a long and illustrious history. The club does not shy away from investing large sums of money to obtain top players and ensure their best performance on the field. Many football legends have already worn its iconic all-white uniforms, and fans can look forward to seeing many more extraordinary players.
