Top 10 Real Madrid Players of All Time
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Top 10 Real Madrid Players of All Time

Top 10 Real Madrid Players of All Time

Real Madrid. A club gloriously rich in history, throughout all generations and eras. Los Blancos are near irrefutably the most historic and successful club in the history of the sport.

They’ve held a host of some of the greats of the game and become accustomed to finding and developing the best players the world has seen – delivering a boat load of European Cups and Champions League titles to the most successful club in continental competitions.

Every player on this list can make an argument for being number one, even some of the icons who couldn’t even make the cut. Football Park’s list boasts several Ballon d'Or winners, from Alfredo Di Stefano to Cristiano Ronaldo, while skipping out Luis Figo – here’s our top 10!


10 – Hugo Sánchez

On top of being widely regarded as Mexico’s greatest ever footballer, as well as having been named the best player of the 20th century in North and Central America by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics), Hugo Sánchez also wrote his name into Real Madrid folklore during his time spent in the Spanish capital in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s.

Sánchez played an integral role in the team led by the “Quinta del Buitre” (Vulture Squadron), becoming one of the best forwards on the planet in the process during a true golden age in Los Blancos’ Spanish history.

The Mexican forward was most well-known for his remarkable 208 goals in just 282 matches donning the white shirt – winning five consecutive La Liga titles as Madrid dominated the country domestically.

His trophy cabinet was also accompanied by a UEFA Cup in 1986, as he continued to play a legendary role in Real Madrid’s return to European acknowledgement after they briefly succumbed to reality, failing to live up to the tag of European serial winners during the midst of their 32-year absence of any European Cup glory.



Sanchez's record 38 goals in a single top-flight season also pays homage to his incredible goalscoring prowess.

Mr Acrobatics became a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu (subtle foreshadowing), not only for joining the club from arch-rivals Atletico Madrid and leaving the Colchoneros seething, but also for his extraordinary goalscoring record. He became one of just seven Madridistas to have surpassed the 200-goal mark, whilst elevating expectations of himself after scoring quite the many bicycle kicks, creating quite the trademark finish – writing his name into Real Madrid history forever.


9 – Santiago Bernabéu

This icon practically speaks for himself. Bernabéu devoted his whole life to Real Madrid – honing his to-be legendary craft into Madrid forever and being the reason for how they are shaped today.

He played for the Los Blancos youth team from the age of just 14, before making the first team just three years later due to his exceptional ability – a career which ended in 70 goals from just 80 matches, before he decided to retire and focus on leading the club well into the future.

After earning a Law degree when he was just 20, it didn’t take him too long to establish himself in the Real Madrid hierarchy following the conclusion of his playing career.

A brief eight-year stint on the board of directors eventually led to taking up the presidency in 1943, where he would make sure that success was maintained and the best talent always looked to Real Madrid as first-choice for the 35 years he was in charge and for the future beyond his time.



Signing players like Di Stéfano (surely he’s on this list?) set the club up for success on both the domestic and continental stage. The iconic legacy he left behind after his many years involved with the club will never be forgotten, with the stadium named in his memory in tribute to a true Real Madrid legend through and through.


8 – Luka Modrić

Enter the historic Ballon d'Or winner – Luka Modrić. The only player in the Lionel Messi-Ronaldo-dominant era to claim the prestigious award who wasn’t a forward. In the 15 years between Kaká’s success in 2007 and Rodri’s last year, Modrić won one of the two Ballon d’Ors in that 15-year time span in between (subtracting the non-awarded 2020 year) that wasn’t awarded to Messi or Ronaldo.

A superstar for club and country, Modrić stood tallest during the toughest moments, assisting clutch goals on Europe’s biggest stage and achieving a career in Spain glittered in trophies – the once Spurs man never would’ve thought he’d be this fortunate.

During his 13 years at the Bernabéu, the Croatian playmaker averaged over two trophies per season (28), which included a historic and record-breaking six Champions League titles – winning more UCL titles than La Liga ones, displaying what a lethal weapon Real Madrid are on the European stage.



During his 597 games with the club, the ever-reliable midfielder formed one of the greatest midfields we have seen this generation alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro – all world-class and Real Madrid greats in their own right.

After joining the club at 27, he didn't only manage to win six Champions League titles in a 10-years time range, but has also recently left the club as their most decorated player ever with 28.

Although he may not ever have been the man taking the headlines in the Spanish capital, he was certainly turning the cogs when in the famous Trobojnica on the international stage, staking his claim as the greatest ever midfielder as he helped guide his nation to a historic second place at the 2018 Russia World Cup.


7 – Ferenc Puskás

A lethal weapon and partnership formed with Di Stéfano in the famous Galacticos team who ripped Europe to shrapnel in the mid-to-late 1950s. On just his second game for the club in 1958, it was clear that he was going to become a true icon at the Bernabéu, as he scored a hat-trick.

The Hungarian played an instrumental role in the back end of Madrid’s five consecutive European Cup run, which included his legacy-implementing four goals during a famous 7-3 victory in the 1960 European Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt.



His longevity in Real Madrid folklore will forever live on, as his sublime 242 goals in just 262 appearances encapsulated his extraordinary goalscoring capabilities, which also sees him rank sixth on the list of the highest goalscorers in club history – which looks likely to stay put unless Kylian Mbappé has another idea.

Puskás also netted an astonishing 84 times in his 85 caps for the Mighty Magyars, becoming their highest scorer still to this day, leading them to an Olympic Gold as well as a runners-up finish at the 1954 World Cup.

His absolute wand of a left peg helped him establish one of the most formidable squads of all time while continuing to break all the barriers possible with his incredible goal tally and clinical finishing for both club and country.


6 – Raúl

One of the most impeccable goalscorers and a true Madridista, it’s Raúl González. Born and raised in the Spanish capital, it was a true honour to the Spaniard to also be named captain during his potent Los Blancos career – an armband he wore with immense pride, displaying not only his deadly goalscoring prowess, but his inspiring leadership, passion, and commitment for the badge.

Despite being just 17 years old when he made his debut, he did not let his inexperience relinquish him of what would’ve been a dream first goal for the club – against Atletico Madrid just a week later from his first appearance.



This kicked off an immensely successful chapter, not just individually but also for the club, as they went on to win La Liga. Just four years on and Raúl had conquered both domestic and European competitions, as he played an instrumental role in Real Madrid’s seventh European Cup crown, as they conflicted Juventus to back-to-back runners-up finishes.

An impressive 323 goals from 741 earned him a spot on the podium for top scorers for the club, as well as third on the list for goals scored in Europe for Los Blancos. He never achieved a major trophy for his nation during his 102 caps, but the legacy he left behind will be forever remembered and reminisced upon by the Madrid faithful.


Honourable Mention – Karim Benzema

Speaking of Benzema, it is time for a brief interruption in proceedings, as we must highlight a certain player who is extremely unlucky to miss out on the top 10. I must admit I was oohing and aahing about a potential place for Madrid’s second top scorer of all time in our top 10 but decided it’s best to reflect this list on Benzema’s career and to do that we must criminally underrate the poor guy.

His incredible career at the Bernabéu saw the Frenchman shadow to Ronaldo for nearly his entire tenure, with his goal contributions being heavily undervalued by most. He is potent striker, who is only behind CR7 for Los Blancos goals and goals in Europe. The one-time Ballon d’Or winner earned the award once Ronaldo had departed Spain, so Benzema could step out of the shadows and truly flourish.

Now that that’s out the way, let’s crack on!


5 – Zinedine Zidane

Despite his relatively short career at Real in comparison to others on this list, his five-year stint in the Spanish capital left a legacy that no one will forget.

When he wasn’t headbutting others on the international stage, Zidane was renowned for his footballing IQ, passing and vision. With the ball at his feet, only few could compete. A true icon of the game, who left no stone unturned, winning everything there was to be won, and stamping his iconic legacy on the pitch wherever he went.

Zizou signed for Los Blancos in 2001, coming fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or just three years prior. The idea was to bring the Ballon d’Or winner to Spain in order to reinforce Madrid’s global dominance – and that’s exactly what he did. Securing victory in the UCL in his first season and completing the trophy cabinet.



He also had an incredibly successful career with France, leading them to World Cup and European Championship triumphs in 1998 and 2000 respectively, as well as earning a runner-up finish in 2006, when his infamous headbutt took place.

His short-term stay in Madrid was his last as a player, but in 2016 he took over from Rafael Benitez and this was where he quickly became one of the best coaches in the game. His three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018 remain the only time a club has managed this since Bayern Munich in 1974-76.


4 – Sergio Ramos

These next three truly could have placed in any order, but we have gone for the legendary defender Sergio Ramos in fourth.

Amidst the host of achievements Ramos earned at Madrid, he was most well-known for being the ‘Hero of La Décima’ following his 93rd minute heroics in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid as his headed goal extended the game into extra-time where Madrid dominated and won in a 4-1 rout and lifted their record-extending tenth European crown.

A true big game player, who may be known for his dirty tackling instincts and absolute (mind the language!) shithousery moments, but he is also a definitive Real Madrid player who always wears his heart on his sleeve. Ramos also branded himself as a handy goalscorer, finding the net 101 times for the club, and 23 for country.



From the moment of his unveiling alongside Florentino Pérez and Di Stéfano back in 2005, Ramos was always going to cement his place in Galacticos’ history books. The fourth highest appearance maker on 671, and also highest number of dismissals for the club, his cynical ways is what makes Ramos the player he is.

The Spaniard also earned a historical and record 180 caps for La Roja, during which he guided them to three consecutive international trophies, winning the 2010 World Cup in between 2008 and 2012 European Championship victories. A true cult hero who earned his prayers throughout his 22-trophy haul over the years as a Madridista.


3 – Iker Casillas

Now to show some love for a goalkeeper – the legendary Iker Casillas. His career with the Whites displayed the definition of longevity. From the age of nine and for the next 25 years Casillas came, earned a conquered the position between the sticks.

A slightly earlier career start than Ramos, Casillas was also part of La Roja squad that won three international trophies on the bounce, securing his place in history as the best goalkeeper to play for the nation.



His undeniably incredible shot-stopping took centre stage in all the big games Los Blancos played, including the famous La Novena against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, which quickly had the Spaniard adored by fans.

Casillas went on to earn 725 appearances for Madrid, only behind Raúl, with his 19 trophies well-deserved and warranted for some of his magical and stunning displays in Madrid before moving on to Porto.


2 – Alfredo Di Stéfano

Argentine-born Spanish international Di Stéfano probably has one of the most decorated careers of any Madridista. The forward earned many accolades for the club, including him playing an instrumental part in Madrid’s unprecedented five consecutive European Cups in the late ‘50s.

His individual brilliance and outstanding finishing is what helped shape him into the second greatest Real Madrid player of all time.

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner in 1957 and 1959 just showed how influential and powerful he was at the time as Los Blancos simply dominated world football.

In 1989, Di Stéfano was nominated for and won the first and only ever rendition of the Super Ballon d’Or. A more than prestigious award that could go to only very few players, with precise criteria to eligible players – it was an award that there has only been one of, and Di Stéfano was that man who won it, making him a true one-of-a-kind footballer.



Before winning the most prized individual trophy a mere 30 years after his second Ballon d’Or victory, Di Stéfano completed his Real career with a rather tame 18 titles in 11 seasons but scored an astonishing 308 goals in just 396 for the club.

Although he never won or had a chance to win any silverware with Spain, Di Stéfano’s journey with Madrid has easily earned him the right to be the best of the rest, behind the one and only…


1 – Cristiano Ronaldo

451 goals. 438 appearances.

While it might remain a question as to who the GOAT in the history of the game is, there is no doubt about who is the best to ever do it for Real Madrid – it’s, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.

After coming to the Bernabéu with an already big reputation in 2009, Ronaldo has proven in every which way why he is the greatest to ever don the White shirt. His incredible goals to game ratio of above one is simply unrivalled and just outstanding in the modern game.

You simply wouldn’t catch any other player scoring at the rate of Ronaldo against other giant European clubs. He’s also the leading scorer of all time in the Champions League, with 141 in over 200 appearances.



We could write a section on CR7 all day if we could, but unfortunately we can’t go on forever. The Portuguese forward boasts one of the greatest trophy hauls possible, headlined by five Ballon d’Ors and five Champions League titles. His five included winning four in five years, in the middle of Madrid’s return to global dominance in the mid 2010’s.

He holds an abundance of scoring records for Los Blancos too, including the most goals in a single European campaign with 17, something done in just 11 matches. His mesmerising goals, unbelievable strength and power, and unrivalled powerful strikes makes him easily cause a valid argument for the best player to enjoy the beautiful game, and as far as Real Madrid are concerned, he is also the greatest player have called their home the Santiago Bernabéu.

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