One of the most prized team’s in world football, Real Madrid has featured some of the best players the world has ever seen including the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, and Raul. Without further adieu, here’s our list of the top Real Madrid signings of all-time.
Zinedine Zidane from Juventus for €77.5 million in 2001
After winning two Serie A titles at Juventus, the Frenchman signed for Real Madrid in 2001 as the club’s second Galáctico for a world record transfer of 77.5 Euros. Zidane’s impact was immediate, scoring a hallmark volley with his left foot in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen. He won La Liga the following year, along with his Ballon d’Or. One of the greatest footballers of all time, he retired in 2006 with 155 appearances and 37 goals. As Real Madrid’s coach for nearly 3 years, Zidane won 3 Champions Leagues and one La Liga, equaling nine trophies in total.
Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for €94 million in 2009
Setting a record fee of 80 million pounds upon his transfer from Manchester United, the striker made a monumental impact on Los Blancos over a nine-year stretch. The Portuguese forward surpassed Raul, the previous number seven, with 450 goals of his own on 438 appearances, averaging over one per game. A four-time Champions League winner, a two-time Spanish league champ, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner as a member of Los Blancos, Ronaldo is one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Sergio Ramos from Sevilla for €27 million in 2005
Once the highest-paid transfer for a Spanish defender, Sergio Ramos signed with Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 for €27 million. Ramos succeeded Iker Casillas as Real Madrid captain in 2015, helping guide Los Blancos to four of the five last Champions League victories. Love him or hate him for the occasionally stepping over the line, he has been remarkably consistent at the top level for 14 years, also scoring crucial goals.
Roberto Carlos from Inter Milan for £5.40m in 1996
Disappointed with this position at Inter Milan, Roberto Carlos sought new suitors Real Madrid to assure him the left-back position. The Brazilian defender played 527 times for Los Blancos, making his name as one of the best left-back in history. He also made a name for himself as a free-kick specialist, known for blasting rockets at goal. Carlos finished his Real career winning four domestic league trophies and Champions League three times.
Ronaldo from Inter Milan for €46 million in 2002
Part of the Galácticos era which saw teammates Zidane, Beckham, and Roberto Carlos join the squad, Ronaldo signed for a €46 million fee and played 5 years with Los Blancos where he scored over 100 goals. Following his second Ballon d’Or in 2002, he won La Liga with Real where he also finished as top scorer in the league.
Luis Figo from Barcelona for €62 million in 2000
Signing for from archrival Barcelona in 2000 for €62 million, Luis Figo scored 38 goals in 163 appearances for Real Madrid over his five-year career with the club. Playing alongside Zidane and Ronaldo, he received the Ballon d’Or in 2000, winning a Champions League and two La Ligas.
Luka Modric from Tottenham for £30 in 2012
The Croatian maestro Luka Modric signed to Real Madrid for a £30 transfer fee in 2012. Winner of the Champions League four times in five years and runner-up in the 2018 World Cup, the 33-year-old Luka Modric is on a tear. The classy midfielder won the 2018 Ballon d’Or, FIFA’s “Best Player” award and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award in 2018. A six-time Croatian Footballer of the Year and World Cup runner-up, the 33-year old captain now has 115 caps with the national side.
Hugo Sanchez from Atlético Madrid for €1.2m in 1985
In a seven-year career at the Bernabeu from 1985 to 1992, the Mexican striker won five consecutive league titles, a Spanish Cup, and the UEFA Cup. A prolific and spectacular goal-scorer, he fired 164 goals in the domestic league, 38 of those came during the 1989-90 season.
Fernando Morientes from Zaragoza for €6.6m in1997
The Spanish striker Fernando Morientes signed to Real Madrid from Zaragoza for €6.6m in1997. Morientes was one of the team’s key playmakers, helping Los Blancos to three Champions League titles, two La Liga, and one Spanish Cup.
Fernando Hierro from Valladolid for €1.2m in 1989
The center back Fernando Hierro transferred from Valladolid to Real Madrid for €1.2m in 1989. In his fourteen years with the club, he scored 127 goals and helped Los Blancos to five league titles and three Champions League titles.
David Beckham from Manchester United for €37m in 2003
Signing to Real Madrid from Manchester United for a €37m transfer in 2003, David Beckham became the latest in superstars to join the club. Certainly one of the most popular players at Real Madrid, Beckham was part of the Galactico era where he played with Zidane, Ronaldo, and Luis Figo. Making 116 appearances, Beckham scored 13 goals in his four seasons with the club, sealing La Liga in his last year.
