Best Real Madrid Players

Real Madrid sealed their status as one of the most iconic and prestigious clubs in the world after they became the only team to score a landmark 1000 goals iin European competitions. This incredible feat should come as no surprise as Los Blancos have had a numer of iconic footballers play for them over the years. Who makes the top 10? Take a look at this incredible list of the best Real Madrid players to find out.DISCLAIMER: The views in this article are my own and do necessarily reflect the views of those at Sportskeeda.

#1 Alfredo Di Stefano

Long before Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi emerged on the scene the football world was dominated by another great Argentine who called himself Alfredo Di Stefano. To call him a phenomenon would be an understatement. The legendary striker scored 307 goals for Madrid since arriving from Millonarios in 1953 and almost single handily helped them win 8 First Division titles, 1 Copa Del Ray and 5 European Cup titles, sealing his status as one of the best players the game has ever seen. The legend passed away in July this year but his spirit will live among the hearts of Madristas forever.

#2 Ferenc Puskas

Another legendary striker who fired Madrid to glory on many occasions was Ferenc Puskas. The iconic Hungarian arrived at Madrid in 1958 and formed a devastating partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano. Puskas’ goals were integral for Madrid who lifted 5 First Division titles, 1 Spanish Cup and 3 European Cups with the strikers help. The legend called time on his glittering Madrid career in 1966 after scoring 156 goals in 180 appearances for Los Blancos. Puskas passed away on 17th November 2006 but his contributions are clearly not forgotten by the football world who hand out an award in his name every year.

#3 Raul

Real Madrid wouldn’t have achieved so much over the past decade if it wasn’t for Raul. The legendary number 7 holds the record for being Madrid’s all time top scorer along with being their most capped player and is still held in the highest regard by the Madrid faithful. Raul’s heroics helped Madrid win 6 La Liga titles, 4 Super Cups, 3 Champions League titles and 1 UEFA Super Cup. It will be quite a while before Real produce a player as talented as Raul.

#4 Zinedine Zidane

Besides being fondly remembered for his famous volley against Bayer Leverkusen which won Real Madrid the Champions League in 2002, Zindane will also be remembered as one of the most graceful midfielders Madrid has ever seen. The Frenchman, who was then Real Madrid’s record buy, did excellent work in the centre of the park and helped Los Blancos win 1 La Liga, 2 Super Cups, 1 Champions League and also won loads of personal allocates on the side. Madrid will continue to have great midfielders but Zindane will always be up there leading the rest.

#5 Ronaldo

The Brazilian has been slightly forgotten at Madrid over the years mainly due to the achievements of his namesake but no one can take away the memories he brought to the club. Ronaldo arrived at Real from Inter Milan with the reputation of being the world’s best striker and took no time to start scoring for the club. Although the Brazilian managed to win just 3 trophies at the club he did score some beautiful goals like that unforgettable hat-trick against Manchester United in the Champions League along with many other great goals. The iconic number 9 has to be one of the greatest Galacticos ever.

#6 Manuel Sanchis

Now-a-days Real Madrid build their success by poaching the talent of other teams but Manuel Sanchis will always act as a reminder of the club’s once great youth academy. The Spaniard was a born leader and was an extremely important part of Madrid in the 1980’s and 1990’s – the years which Real Madrid dominated world football. The legendary defender was superb at the back and was the pillar of the team for years. With the help of Sanchis Madrid won 8 La Ligas, 3 Champions League’s, 2 Copa Del Rays along with loads of other silverware. It won’t be soon before a player as talented as Sanchis emerges from Madrid’s youth system.

#7 Fernando Hierro

102 goals for a defensive player is simply fantastic but then again Fernando Hierro was no ordinary player. The Spaniard was the heart of Madrid for over a decade and was integral to their success in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. He and the legendary Manuel Sanchis formed a brilliant partnership and were nearly impossible to get past during their hay day. Hierro helped Madrid win 3 UEFA Champions League titles, 5 La Liga’s, 4 Spanish Super Cups and loads of other trophies before leaving the club in 2003.

#8 Michael Laudrup

The legendary Dane is often overlooked in various lists of the best Real Madrid players which is extremely sad as he was undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation. His attacking and passing skills were vital to the Real Madird striker who often fed off his passes to score goals. Former Madrid great Zamorano once even remarked “ Un genio! The reason why I make so many goals is Laudrup.” Perhaps if he had been more selfish he would have gained more plaudits. Nevertheless Laudrup will always remain as one of the best midfielders to ever play for Madrid.

#9 Cristiano Ronaldo

Is it possible to score at least one goal every time you step on the pitch? With Cristiano Ronaldo it is. The Portuguese hitman is already a legend at Madrid even though he has many good years left in him and has currently scored 257 goals in 252 appearances which is out of this world. Ronaldo has been an integral part of Madrid ever since he first put on that famous white shirt and it can be safely said that Los Blancos wouldn’t have won ‘La Decima’ if it wasn’t for him. As I said before Ronaldo still has a lot more to offer so expect to see more of him for years to come.

#10 Iker Casillas

Real Madrid’s forgotten man was once the club’s best player. The World Cup winning Spaniard made his debut for Los Blancos when he was just 16 and has gone on to become the world’s best goalkeeper since then. With Casillas between the sticks Madrid have lifted 3 Champions League titles, 5 La Liga’s, 2 Copa Del Ray’s among other trophies. Despite seemingly losing his place in the first team it can be safely said that Madrid would have been missing something if it wasn’t for Casillas because form is temporary but class is permanent.