5 players you probably didn’t know played for Real Madrid | La Liga 2019-20

1. Juan Mata

Mata in action for Real Madrid Castilla. Credits: en.as.com

One of the world’s most universally-liked footballers, Juan Mata has been a firm favourite of the fans wherever he has played. A supremely gifted attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and an excellent passing range, Mata boasts a glittering trophy cabinet, having won major honours throughout his club and international career.

However, it all started in Madrid - a graduate of Real Madrid's youth academy, Mata played regularly for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2006–07 season before joining Valencia in the summer of 2007 in the search of first-team football.

He soon became an integral part of the club's midfield, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season. During his time at Valencia, he was also part of the Spain side that lifted the 2010 World Cup, which further boosted his stock and prompted Chelsea to move for him in August 2011.

He lifted the Champions League and the FA Cup in his debut season, adding a European championship with Spain in 2012 before winning the Europa League in the 2012-13 season. At this time, Mata and his Chelsea teammate Fernando Torres became the first players to hold the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup, and the European Championships simultaneously.

However, after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea, Mata was sold to Manchester United in January 2014, where he has picked up another FA Cup and Europa League.