The 20 Greatest Real Madrid Players of All Time – Ranked
Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs in history, has seen countless legends grace the Santiago Bernabeu. From prolific goalscorers to defensive stalwarts and iconic leaders, this list celebrates the 20 greatest players to have ever worn the famous white shirt—ranked in reverse order to build up to the ultimate Los Blancos legend.
20. Vicente Del Bosque
Del Bosque was a reliable midfielder who played over 400 games for the club between 1968 and 1984. He later returned as a successful manager, adding even more to his Real Madrid legacy.
19. Ivan Zamorano
The Chilean striker spent four seasons at Real Madrid, scoring consistently and winning admiration for his tenacity and eye for goal. His physical presence and lethal finishing made him a fan favorite in the early '90s.
18. Toni Kroos
One of the finest midfielders of the modern era, Kroos joined from Bayern Munich in 2014 and became a cornerstone of Madrid’s European dominance. With incredible vision and passing accuracy, he played a pivotal role in multiple Champions League triumphs.
Read also: The 10 Greatest Grand Slam Finals in Tennis History - Ranked
17. Emilio Butragueno
Nicknamed "El Buitre", Butragueno was a graceful and clinical forward whose intelligence on the ball made him one of Spain’s best. His contributions helped usher in a new era of Spanish football during the '80s.
16. Roberto Carlos
A left-back like no other, Roberto Carlos thrilled fans with his explosive pace, fierce free kicks, and relentless energy down the flank. From 1996 to 2007, he was a consistent presence in the squad, lifting numerous trophies.
15. Ricardo Zamora
Zamora was one of the early icons of Spanish football and a pioneer in goalkeeping. His name lives on through the Zamora Trophy, awarded to La Liga’s best goalkeeper each season.
14. Pirri
A midfield engine and versatile presence, Pirri spent 16 years at Madrid and could play in multiple positions with equal impact. His leadership and toughness were vital in the club's domestic and European success during his era.
Read also: The 20 Greatest Players in Bayern Munich History - Ranked
13. Hugo Sanchez
Known for his acrobatic goals and incredible consistency, Sanchez was a goal machine during his time at Madrid. The Mexican striker scored 208 goals for the club, helping them dominate La Liga in the late '80s.
12. Karim Benzema
After years in Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow, Benzema emerged as a true leader in the post-Ronaldo era, guiding Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory. His elegance, creativity, and clutch performances defined his legacy.
11. Luis Figo
Figo’s controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid sparked a new Galactico era. He brought flair, vision, and elite wing play, earning a Ballon d’Or and helping secure several titles.
10. Luka Modric
Modric overcame a difficult debut season to become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history with 28 trophies. His elegance, intelligence, and leadership in midfield helped define an era of dominance.
Read also: AI's 20 Greatest Manchester United Players of All Time – Ranked
9. Ferenc Puskas
Puskas was a Hungarian genius who scored 242 goals in 262 games, including four in a European Cup final. His legacy is immortalized by the FIFA Puskas Award, named in his honor.
8. Paco Gento
Still the only player to win six European Cups, Gento was a blistering left winger who terrified defenders for nearly two decades. He also claimed a record 12 La Liga titles, solidifying his status as a Madrid legend.
7. Santiago Bernabeu
More than just a player, Bernabeu shaped the club’s identity as president from 1943 to 1978. His vision turned Madrid into a global powerhouse, and the stadium bearing his name is a lasting tribute.
6. Raul Gonzalez
Raul was the heartbeat of Real Madrid for 16 years, scoring 323 goals and making 741 appearances. His consistency, leadership, and love for the club made him a symbol of Madridismo.
Read also: The 50 Most Naturally Gifted Footballers of All Time
5. Iker Casillas
‘San Iker’ was a phenomenal shot-stopper who debuted as a teenager and went on to become one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He won everything with Madrid, including multiple Champions Leagues, and recorded 264 clean sheets.
4. Sergio Ramos
A commanding and charismatic captain, Ramos led Madrid to countless victories with his defensive prowess and uncanny knack for scoring crucial goals. He amassed 22 trophies and 101 goals—unheard of numbers for a centre-back.
3. Zinedine Zidane
As a player, Zidane’s grace and composure were unmatched, punctuated by his iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final. He returned to manage the team and delivered a historic three-peat in the Champions League.
2. Alfredo Di Stefano
Di Stefano revolutionized the club, guiding them to five consecutive European Cups and scoring 308 goals. His influence on and off the pitch helped turn Real Madrid into a footballing dynasty.
Read also: Ballon d'Or 2025 Power Rankings
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo redefined goal-scoring during his nine-year spell, netting an astonishing 450 goals in 438 games. With four Champions League titles and countless records broken, he remains the greatest player in the club’s storied history.
