10 most expensive signings by Real Madrid

#7 Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima – €45m

Ronaldo Nazário is one of very few players to have played on both sides of El Clasico

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário is one of the most iconic footballers of all time, and as such, Florentino Perez had to have him for his galacticos project. In July 2002, Real Madrid signed ‘the phenomenon’ from Inter Milan. He was not only a phenomenon on the field but off it as well, with his jersey sales smashing all previous records on the very first day.

In the eyes of many Barcelona fans, Ronaldo had become a traitor. Having played for them in the 1996/97 season and scoring 47 goals in 49 games, fans felt betrayed when he signed a contract with their biggest historical rivals. In his five years with Real Madrid, he scored 83 goals in 127 appearances, winning the domestic league twice, and also lifting the Spanish Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup with them. After suffering multiple serious injuries and weight issues in his career, he retired from professional football in 2011, having spent his last two years playing for Corinthians.