Real Madrid’s Premier League Signings: Ranked From Flops to Legends
Real Madrid have made 27 signings from the Premier League, ranging from unforgettable disasters to iconic legends. While some flattered to deceive, others delivered at the highest level. Here’s the full ranking of all 27 players, starting from the worst and climbing to the very best.
27. Julien Faubert
Faubert’s surprise loan move from West Ham raised eyebrows and proved to be a total failure. He made just two appearances, totalling 54 minutes on the pitch.
26. Thomas Gravesen
Gravesen never looked comfortable in Madrid’s midfield and was quickly out of place. His playing style clashed with the team’s technical demands.
25. Jonathan Woodgate
Woodgate’s debut was infamous for all the wrong reasons: an own goal and a red card. Constant injuries prevented him from ever settling in.
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24. Nicolas Anelka
Anelka had a troubled season at Madrid, scoring only two league goals. He clashed with staff and left after just one year.
23. Eden Hazard
Signed as the marquee replacement for Ronaldo, Hazard’s time at Madrid was derailed by injuries and underperformance. He became one of the club’s biggest flops.
22. Gabriel Heinze
Heinze was a dependable defender at Manchester United but never made the same impact in Spain. His stint was short and largely forgettable.
21. Michael Owen
Owen arrived as a former Ballon d’Or winner but couldn’t rediscover his top form. He scored goals but never became a starter.
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20. Ricardo Carvalho
Reuniting with Mourinho, Carvalho had some solid games but was past his best. He lacked the presence he once showed at Chelsea.
19. Emmanuel Adebayor
Adebayor joined on a short-term loan and had a decent goal tally, but the move never felt convincing. He was not retained permanently.
18. Arjen Robben
Robben showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency and struggled with injuries. He later excelled at Bayern Munich, not Madrid.
17. Michael Essien
Essien was a vital player at Chelsea but was far from his prime at Madrid. Though often involved, he couldn’t dominate midfield like he used to.
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16. Kepa Arrizabalaga
Brought in to replace the injured Courtois, Kepa lost his place to Lunin. His loan spell failed to leave any significant impression.
15. Jerzy Dudek
Dudek served as a reliable backup to Iker Casillas. He didn’t play often but was professional and dependable in his role.
14. Jose Antonio Reyes
Reyes wasn’t at Madrid long but made his mark by scoring twice on the final day of the 2006/07 season to seal the league title.
13. Lassana Diarra
Diarra was a competent ball-winner who filled a useful squad role. He never became a star but gave consistent performances.
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12. Javier Hernandez
Hernandez delivered excellent efficiency in limited minutes. Still, he couldn’t displace Karim Benzema and had only a short spell.
11. Brahim Diaz
Diaz has impressed in flashes and served as a valuable rotation option. He hasn’t fully broken through but has shown real potential.
10. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy scored plenty in his early days and helped win a league title. Unfortunately, injuries cut short what could have been a dominant spell.
9. David Beckham
Beckham added star power and contributed some key performances. He won La Liga but was more influential off the pitch than on it.
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8. Alvaro Arbeloa
Arbeloa quietly did his job across several seasons. Solid and reliable, he was a team player who helped stabilize the defense when needed.
7. Steve McManaman
McManaman won two Champions League titles and scored in a final. His impact was strong early, though he became less central over time.
6. Antonio Rüdiger
Rüdiger has become a rock in Madrid’s backline since arriving for free. He continues to be an important player and could rise further in the rankings.
5. Gareth Bale
Despite injuries and friction with fans, Bale scored vital goals and won five Champions Leagues. His legacy is one of moments that mattered.
4. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has established himself as one of the best keepers in the world. His performance in the 2022 Champions League final was legendary.
3. Xabi Alonso
Alonso brought control and class to Madrid’s midfield. He played a central role during a highly successful period and remains highly respected.
2. Luka Modric
Initially doubted, Modric turned into one of the best midfielders of his generation. A Ballon d’Or and countless titles define his career.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo stands alone as the most impactful Premier League signing in Real Madrid’s history. He broke almost every club record and led them to unmatched glory.
