Ranked! The 50 greatest Real Madrid players of all time
From Real Madrid academy stars to Galacticos and European champions, we rank the Blancos' best-ever
30. Gareth Bale
Despised by a section of the Real Madrid fans, Gareth Bale is responsible at least in part for two Champions League titles that he scored in finals to win. Formerly the most expensive player on Earth, the Welsh wonder has lit up the Bernabeu with intense running and directness: if only he'd valued Los Blancos above his nation and his love of golf…
29. Manolo
One of many Spaniards through the Real youth system of the 80s, Manolo was a fixture until 2001 – and was an intelligent defender instrumental in six championship titles. Hard but fair, he skippered Los Blancos for 13 years, racking up 710 appearances for the side he broke into as a boy.
28. Miguel Munoz
Miguel Munoz was Real Madrid's first European Cup-winning captain and the first man to lift Old Big Ears as a player and a manager. A true leader, Munoz only played for his country eight times but led Real by example, driving his side to four league titles and three European triumphs. In the dugout, he managed the Merengues for 14 years to become the longest-serving coach ever.
27. Toni Kroos
Wherever Toni Kroos needs to be, he finds himself. His decision-making is second to none, like he has a map of the pitch in his head and knows exactly how to connect his teammates. The German is one of the less flashy buys of the past decade but one of the most important, offering Real consistency, class and a metronomic presence in midfield.
26. Marquitos
Marquitos was a defender with bravery and versatility in spades. After impressing in a match against Real, the capital club were convinced to bring him to Madrid, where he lifted the first five European Cups. Whether he played at full-back or centre-back, he would leave all of himself on the pitch for the cause.
25. Jose Santamaria
You don't get the nickname 'the Wall' for nothing. One of the greatest South American defenders ever, Jose Santamaria arrived from Uruguay in 1957 and played over 330 games for Real Madrid, winning 12 trophies in nine years. A solid presence who simply couldn't be beaten in the air, he was a leader in defence who allowed the Hollywood names to flourish at the top of the pitch.
24. Claude Makelele
Famously, Claude Makelele had a position named after him. The Frenchman was the silent screener behind the Galacticos, sweeping up and keeping possession for the Merengues. He was instrumental in the 2002 Champions League triumph and adored by just about every footballer he played with.
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23. Santillana
Carlos Alonso Gonzalez earned his nickname, Santillana, from his birthplace: a picturesque and historic town in Cantabria. It was fitting to be named after such a beguiling place.
The striker had a mesmeric jump to reach headers, power in abundance and was a natural goalscorer who managed to net 290 goals for Los Blancos across nine title wins and two UEFA Cups. Only Alfredo Di Stefano had scored more by the time Santillana hung up his boots.
22. Ronaldo
In truth, Ronaldo gave his electric best to Barcelona. By the time he made the switch to the Bernabeu, his body had been ravaged by injury: but he was still a World Cup winner and a true Galactico.
R9 – or R11, as he was here – netted 104 goals in 177 matches in a white shirt, forming a potent partnership with Raul. He only won one title in his time in the Spanish capital but dazzled with his explosive bursts and unbelievable eye for goal.
21. Martin Vazquez
One of the most skilful attacking midfielders of a generation, Martin Vazquez put the glamour into the ‘Quinta del Buitre’ quartet of the 80s. He helped Real Madrid to 16 titles with – including the 1989/90 LaLiga trophy in which Real achieved a domestic record 107 goals. A mercurial passer and dribbler, he was a fans' favourite for his ability to change a game.
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Prev Page The 50 greatest Real Madrid players of all time: 40-31 Next Page The 50 greatest Real Madrid players of all time: 20-11Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.