Real Madrid over their long and illustrious history have signed the best players in the world. No one can match the promises and the glory that this club offers, and in return, the commitment and loyalty that Madrid expects can not be promised by every player. This century has seen Madrid reach new heights not only in terms of trophies but also financially as a brand. The market rise has seen some of the biggest money moves happen in the Santiago Bernabeu. Not all have gone according to the plans, however, ‘The Galacticos’ have more often than not succeeded at the Los Blancos. Here are best signings of Real Madrid of the 21st century.
Prime Galactico’s
Cristiano Ronaldo
Well, this goes undoubtedly on the top. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players of all time, he and Real Madrid was a love story just meant to be. The move from Manchester United had to happen and the Portuguese were destined for greatness in Spain. Having already established himself as the world’s greatest in England, Ronaldo earned a dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu which also happened to be the record transfer deal at the time.
What followed was 450 goals, 16 trophies, five Ballon D’ors and countless unforgettable moments. Real Madrid fans will forever be grateful to their best player ever for the crazy Champions League nights. Whenever the 35-year old stepped foot on the pitch; any situation was reversible. Managers came and went but Ronaldo was there scoring goals under anyone. His departure in 2018 marked the end of an era at Real Madrid and left a gap that is yet to be filled and may never be.
Sergio Ramos
When Real Madrid signed Sergio Ramos from Sevilla in 2005 for 27 million Euros many found the deal too expensive. However, over the last 15 years, the centre back has not only justified that fee but cemented his place in Real Madrid’s history. Initially a right-back, the Spaniard shifted to the central defender position. Since becoming captain in 2015, Sergio Ramos is the definition of Madridismo. His knack of getting important goals and fearless defending along with brilliant leadership has always been a bonus for any Madrid manager. At the age of 34, Ramos is still going strong and is undoubtedly one of the best signings of Real Madrid of the 21st century.
Luka Modric
Labelled as a flop signing in 2012, Luka Modric has come a long way since then. Following an initial struggle in Spain, the Croatian was determined to reverse his situation at the Bernabeu. In the last eight years, the midfielder has always been amongst the best midfielders in the world. He has only gone from strength to strength and that resulted in him breaking the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly by winning the Ballon D’Or in 2018 whilst grabbing the majority of the individual awards that year.
Luka Modric has become a fan favourite at Real Madrid and his amazing performances even at the age of 35 resulted in a new contract which ends in 2022. Luka Modric was undoubtedly the best signing of the last decade for Real Madrid.
Marcelo
Any doubts on whether Real Madrid could find a replacement for Roberto Carlos were put aside by Marcelo. The Brazilian came in as a 19-year-old left-back in 2007 and was quickly hailed as the perfect successor. It took some time for Marcelo to settle in but when he did he did it in some style. With his flair, skills, vision and elegance the Brazilian defender has always been a treat to the eye. The 32-year old always add an extra effort and goes the extra yard to win. He is loved by the fans and will always be a part of the Los Blancos’ history. He may be past his prime now and his time at Madrid may come to an end soon but he is absolutely one of the best signings of Real Madrid of the 21st century. His contribution to the team that won the hat-trick of Champions Leagues can never be forgotten.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane joined Real Madrid from Juventus in 2001 for a record transfer fee. What followed was elegance being witnessed in motion at the Bernabeu for five years. Who can forget that famous volley against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow that won Real Madrid its ninth European Cup. His playing days might not have bought much success but his coaching time has got his legacy at the club to the biggest level. With 49 goals and 78 assists in Spain, Zidane cemented his place as a legend of Real Madrid. His playing career made the way for his managerial career. Without a question, he is the ultimate representation of the Galacticos as a player and a manager.
Main Image Credit
