Real Madrid has produced some amazing talents and has also brought a bunch of world-class players. The likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento and many more have played for The Royal Whites. Real Madrid is the club of the 20th Century and one would expect it’s players to perform at the top level. Over the years Real Madrid has had top players in every position. It is impossible to narrow it down to just 5 players in the 21st Century when the club has won so much with so many world class players but let's take a look at some players who were at the top throughout their career.
5. Sergio Ramos(2005-Present)
The World Cup winner Spaniard is a true Madridista. Under his captaincy, Real Madrid won 3 back to back UEFA Champion League, making history by being the only club to achieve this. He plays for the club with passion and being the most booked player in the history is a testament to that. He is very versatile and has played both as right back as well as in the. One of the main reasons for him featuring in the list is his winning mentality, he always turns up in the big games. He is also the longest-serving player in the current squad.
4. Raul(1992-2010)
Interestingly, Raul started his career in Atletico Madrid, he then moved to the Real Madrid’s Youth team. The then captain of the team won 6 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League title scoring an astonishing 323 goals. He was absolutely lethal in front of the goal. He became the top goal scorer for the club before being dethroned by Cristiano Ronaldo. The official Real Madrid side mentions him as ‘A Real Madrid Symbol’.
3. Iker Casillas(1999-2015)
Casillas is regarded as the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history. His reflexes and one-on-one saves were absolutely delightful. He was loved equally by the fans of other clubs. He played 725 games for the club and was regarded as one of the greatest captains of all time. He won 19 titles before leaving the club in 2015. He featured in the FIFA FIFPro XI on 5 occasions. Madrid fans will never forget St. Iker’s contribution to the club.
2. Zinedine Zidane(2001-2006)
Zidane scored arguably the most famous goal in the history of the Champions League which won Real Madrid ‘La Novena’. The Ballon d’Or winner signed for Real Madrid in 2001. He won six titles with Real Madrid. He was regarded as one of the most technical players. He hung up his boots in 2006, his last club was Real Madrid. Zidane’s career can be summed up by this famous quote of Sir Alex Ferguson-” Give me Zidane and 10 pieces of wood and I’ll win you the Champions League”.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo(2009-2018)
Who else? All-time leading goal scorer of UEFA Champions League and Real Madrid is bound to feature on the top of the list. The Portuguese netted an amazing 451 goals for Real Madrid in just 438 appearances! He won 16 titles for the club. His records at Real Madrid are invaluable and innumerable. He signed for the club at a time when Barcelona was in their golden period and Real Madrid was struggling in almost every competition. He bought a lot of energy to the squad and put Real Madrid back to the winning ways. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is arguably the greatest player to play for Real Madrid.
