Top 10 Best Real Madrid Players of All Time (Ranked)

European powerhouse, Real Madrid are the most successful football club in the history of the sport. In 2000, their unprecedented European domination and success across the 20th century was awarded ‘The Best Club of the 20th Century FIFA Trophy’ honour by FIFA based on a global poll. Courtesy of its enormous stature as a football institution, Real Madrid has successfully established itself as a dream club and Santiago Bernabeu as a dream destination for players and managers alike.

Over the course of history, Los Blancos have claimed remarkable success, stockpiling their trophy cabinet with uncountable silverware, including a record 36 La Liga crowns, 15 UEFA Champions League trophies, and 9 FIFA Club World Cup trophies. They are also widely lauded as the ‘Kings of Europe’ for their monumental European success.

Since its formation, the Spanish giants have produced, acquired, and forged numerous champions and generational idols of the game. Some of these celebrated stars have made their mark beyond the game, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Alfredo Di Stefano. These are just a handful of players who have carved their names into the Real Madrid legends through their contributions and success.

In this post, we are picking the top 10 best Real Madrid Players of all time, that the club has seen throughout its existence. But before, we dive into the unveiling of the list of best Real Madrid players ever, let’s understand, what are the prominent factors that are being assessed to assemble the checklist of all-time greats.

Ranking Factors

Longevity: The primary ranking aspect that we are looking for is their tenure in the Spanish capital, donning the iconic white shirt. It reflects the longevity and durability of their Real Madrid spell.

Impact: Any player’s impact in bringing triumph to the team with their individual brilliance and key performances on the pitch. Statistics like goals, assists, clean sheets, and appearances are also taken into account.

Achievements: The number of trophies, titles, and honors a Los Blancos player has raised during their time with the European giants. Trophy count and personal accolades are also vital factors in defining the rankings of these phenomenal players.

10. Karim Benzema (France)

A few might argue with the inclusion of Karim Benzema, but the Frenchman has gradually moved his way up in the list during his final few seasons at Real Madrid. Benzema with Los Blancos was a complete forward who could do it all, from scoring goals to assisting and creating chances. He netted a superb 354 goals in a total of 648 appearances from 2009 to 2023 and lifted the UEFA Champions League five times with Real Madrid. The Frenchman won the prestigious Ballon d’Or accolade following a remarkable 2021/22 campaign, recording 44 goals and 15 assists.

Appearances	648
Goals	354
Assists	151
Trophies count	25

9. Luka Modric (Croatia)

The Croatian midfield wizard has aged like fine wine, still delivering commendable performances every week in and week out. Luka Modric is the current captain of Los Blancos, spearheading his side towards another potential trophy-laden campaign with his time potentially coming to an end. Fingers were pointed at his signing in 2012 from the Premier League. However, Modric has proven his mark by showing his exceptional class. He has been a vital cog in Real Madrid’s contemporary success and was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in 2018. He redefined the record book, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Golden Ball dominance.

Appearances	579
Goals	43
Assists	93
Trophies count	28

Also Read: Who Owns Real Madrid?

8. Francisco Gento (Spain)

Francisco Gento, popularly named ‘Paco Gento’ is widely acknowledged as one the best Real Madrid players of all time. The Spanish icon enjoyed a record 12 Spanish top-division championships and six European Cup (UEFA Champions League) wins — the most by any player in the history of the Madrid-based club. Gento primarily played on the left flank as a winger and bagged 165 goals while playing over 500 games for the Spanish side. Notably, the legendary winger remains the longest-serving player in the history of the club, dedicating 18 seasons to Los Blancos.

Appearances	596
Goals	179
Assists	52
Trophies count	21

7. Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)

The legendary Hungarian forward, Ferenc Puskas was a prolific goal-getter for the Spanish giants during his period, scoring 242 goals and recording 27 assists in 262 games. He clinched four Pichichi accolades for finishing as the top scorer in La Liga on four occasions, out of which three were in a row. Also, Puskas led Real Madrid to five Spanish league titles, three European Cups, Copa Del Rey, and an Intercontinental Cup. With Los Blancos in Spain’s top flight, the Olympic medallist had scored a stellar 156 goals in 180 appearances to become one the best La Liga strikers of all time.

Appearances	262
Goals	242
Assists	27
Trophies count	12

6. Raul Gonzalez (Spain)

Raul Gonzalez rose through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth set-up before breaking into the club’s first team at the age of 17, in October of 1994. The Spanish striker was lethal in front of goal, boasting a tremendous eye for goal coupled with consistency. He amassed 323 goals and 133 assists while playing over 700 games. Raul captained Los Blancos for a notable period till he left his beloved club in 2010, ending a 16-year-long association. He is the third-highest goal scorer in the club’s history after Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema surpassed his goal tally.

Appearances	741
Goals	323
Assists	133
Trophies count	16

5. Iker Casillas (Spain)

The only goalkeeper on this list is Saint Iker Casillas, a name etched in golden letters. He is one of those rare Real Madrid academy products who experienced the feeling of being a European champion at 19, lifting the UEFA Champions League in 2000. Casillas was viewed as one of the best goalkeepers during his prime years. His reliable pair of hands saved Los Blancos on uncountable occasions. The Spanish caretaker is the second-most-capped Real Madrid player with 725 appearances from 1999-2015. In addition, he boasts the most Champions League clean sheets and is one of a few keepers who has lifted three Champions League trophies.

Appearances	725
Clean sheets	264
Goals conceded	751
Trophies count	19

Also Read: Top 10 Real Madrid Longest Serving Managers (Ranked)

4. Zinedine Zidane (France)

The midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane has always been a popular shout for the greatest Real Madrid midfielder of all time. The Galáctico was full of elegance with his touches, and mesmerising dribbles and pulled off exceptional skill and tricks. Without overstating his attributes as a midfielder. It’s impossible to replicate Zizou’s magic on the field. Even though he only spent five seasons at Santiago Bernabeu, the Frenchman crafted an unparalleled legacy as a player. His iconic volley goal in the 2001 Champions League is still fresh in the minds of Madridistas. The 1998 Ballon d’Or awardee won six major silverware altogether from 2001 to 2006.

Appearances	227
Goals	49
Assists	67
Trophies count	6

3. Sergio Ramos (Spain)

The bold and fearless defender, Sergio Ramos is celebrated as one of the best-ever defenders to play for Real Madrid. He joined the club in 2005 and swiftly cemented his place in the team as a commanding figure switching between centre-back and right-back. The World Cup winner with Spain owns an unconventional achievement to his name of picking up the most red cards in La Liga history; among those 19 were at Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the centre-back’s significant contributions as a player and captain are unmatched. Ramos made a staggering 671 appearances during his 16-year-long stint with the club and found the back of the net 101 times.

Appearances	671
Goals	101
Assists	40
Trophies count	22

2. Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina)

Real Madrid’s generational icon, Alfredo Di Stefano was a pioneer of all of the incredible success that the Spanish club achieved throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Many consider the Argentine as the best Real Madrid player of all time over the next player in our rankings. The legendary forward has scored 308 goals for the club, helping them secure a staggering 8 La Liga titles and 5 European Championships. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner earned an outstanding five Pichichi accolades for being the highest goal scorer in the Spanish top flight in five campaigns in total of his 11 seasons with Los Merengues.

Appearances	363
Goals	278
Assists	2
Trophies count	18

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

At first, we have the greatest Real Madrid player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. A serial goal scorer, who needs no introduction, and his legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu is something that will be remembered forever. In 2009, he joined the struggling Real Madrid side after leaving Manchester United on a high, accomplishing every possible silverware with the Red Devils. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner kept his promise to Real Madrid fans, leading them to a stellar continental three-peat and lifting four Champions League titles, alongside six domestic titles.

In addition, the Portuguese icon shattered countless records and never failed to stun the opposition, racking up 450 goals in 438 appearances to sculpt his name as Los Blancos’s all-time top scorer in history. Crisitano’s spectacular stint in the Spanish capital is impossible to sum up in words.

Appearances	438
Goals	450
Assists	131
Trophies count	15

Best Real Madrid Players of All Time

Rank	Players	Position	Spell at Real Madrid
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Forward	2009-2018
2	Alfredo Di Stefano	Forward	1953-1964
3	Sergio Ramos	Defender	2005-2021
4	Zinedine Zidane	Midfielder	2001-2006
5	Iker Casillas	Goalkeeper	1999-2005
6	Raul Gonzalez	Forward	1994-2010
7	Ference Puskas	Forward	1958-1966
8	Paco Gento	Winger	1953-1971
9	Luka Modric	Midfielder	2012-Present
10	Karim Benzema	Forward	2009-2023

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