Real Madrid’s Premier League Signings: Ranked From Flops to Legends

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.