“We don’t want to tell our dreams. We want to show them.”
-Cristiano Ronaldo
“It’s not about coaching the team, it’s about inspiring the players.”
-Zinedine Zidane
“Real Madrid is in my heart. It’s more than a club; it’s my home, my family.”
-Sergio Ramos
“To wear this shirt is to understand that you are representing the history of football.”
-Raúl González
“The best team of all time? Real Madrid, without a doubt.”
-Alfredo Di Stéfano
“In football, as in life, you must fight until the last minute.”
-Luka Modrić
“Real Madrid is not just my club; it’s my life.”
-Iker Casillas
“Joining Real Madrid was the dream of a lifetime. The pressure is immense, but that’s what makes it so special.”
-David Beckham
“At Real Madrid, the dream is to win every day. It’s not just about trophies; it’s about the mentality.”
-Marcelo Vieira
“Playing for Real Madrid is the ultimate challenge. Here, every game is like a final.”
-Karim Benzema
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
A goal-scoring machine and one of the greatest footballers in history, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 and spent nine unforgettable seasons at the club. During his time, he became the all-time top scorer for Los Blancos, netting 450 goals in 438 matches. Known for his incredible athleticism, precision, and unmatched work ethic, Ronaldo was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, including four UEFA Champions League titles.
2. Zinedine Zidane
A true footballing maestro, Zinedine Zidane dazzled fans with his elegance, vision, and technical brilliance. The French midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2001 and became a legend with his iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final. Later, as a manager, Zidane guided the club to unparalleled success, including three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
3. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is a symbol of leadership and resilience. Known for his commanding presence in defense and his knack for scoring crucial goals, he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s dominance. Ramos captained the team to numerous titles, including four Champions League trophies, leaving an indelible mark as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
4. Raúl González
A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Raúl epitomizes loyalty and dedication. He became the club’s all-time top scorer until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed him and was known for his intelligence, composure, and ability to deliver in big moments. Raúl remains one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history, with six La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies to his name.
5. Alfredo Di Stéfano
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Alfredo Di Stéfano was the cornerstone of Real Madrid’s dominance in the 1950s and 1960s. The “Blonde Arrow” led the team to five consecutive European Cup victories and scored in each final. His versatility, creativity, and leadership redefined the game and elevated Real Madrid to global fame.
6. Luka Modrić
The Croatian magician, Luka Modrić, joined Real Madrid in 2012 and became one of the most influential midfielders in modern football. Renowned for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of games, Modrić was instrumental in the club’s Champions League triumphs. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly.
7. Iker Casillas
Known as “San Iker,” Casillas is one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. A Real Madrid youth academy product, he spent 16 years with the first team, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. Casillas was celebrated for his reflexes, consistency, and leadership, becoming a symbol of humility and excellence.
8. David Beckham
The English superstar joined Real Madrid in 2003 as part of the famous “Galácticos” era. Renowned for his pinpoint crosses and free-kick mastery, Beckham added flair and professionalism to the team. While his time at the club was relatively short, he was loved by fans and contributed significantly to their La Liga title win in 2006-07.
9. Marcelo Vieira
One of the greatest left-backs in football history, Marcelo is celebrated for his attacking prowess, flair, and creativity. A Real Madrid legend, he has been a key figure in the team’s success, winning numerous titles, including five Champions League trophies. Marcelo’s infectious energy and love for the club have made him a fan favorite.
10. Karim Benzema
A striker of incredible intelligence and technical ability, Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid in 2009. Initially overshadowed by other stars, Benzema grew into a leader and goal-scorer extraordinaire, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. His consistency and ability to rise in critical moments have made him one of the most respected forwards in the game.
Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Triumphs (2016, 2017, 2018)
Real Madrid made history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in the modern era. Their dominance from 2016 to 2018 under the leadership of Zinedine Zidane showcased a combination of tactical brilliance, individual excellence, and a winning mentality. Here’s a breakdown of each triumph:
2016 Champions League Victory
- Opponent in Final: Atlético Madrid
- Result: 1-1 (5-3 on penalties)
- Location: San Siro, Milan
- Key Moment: Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for Real Madrid, but Atlético equalized through Yannick Carrasco. The match went to penalties, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive spot-kick, sealing Real Madrid’s 11th European title (“La Undécima”).
- Highlights: Zidane, in his debut season as head coach, demonstrated his tactical acumen. The defense, led by Ramos, was rock solid, while Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos dominated the midfield.
2017 Champions League Victory
- Opponent in Final: Juventus
- Result: 4-1
- Location: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
- Key Moment: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, while Casemiro and Marco Asensio added to the tally. Mario Mandžukić scored a stunning overhead kick for Juventus, but Real Madrid’s superior quality shone through.
- Highlights: This win marked “La Duodécima,” Real Madrid’s 12th European title. They became the first team to successfully defend the Champions League title in the modern format. Ronaldo’s performances were pivotal, as he finished as the competition’s top scorer.
2018 Champions League Victory
- Opponent in Final: Liverpool
- Result: 3-1
- Location: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv
- Key Moment: Gareth Bale stole the show with a sensational overhead kick, arguably one of the greatest goals in Champions League history. Karim Benzema capitalized on a goalkeeping error from Loris Karius, and Bale added a long-range strike.
- Highlights: This win, “La Decimotercera,” was their 13th Champions League title. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo not scoring in the final, his contributions in earlier rounds were vital. Zidane became the first coach to win three consecutive Champions League titles, cementing his legacy.
Key Factors Behind the Success
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The talisman of the team, Ronaldo was instrumental in all three campaigns, finishing as the top scorer each season.
- Midfield Mastery: Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro formed an exceptional midfield trio that controlled games with precision and balance.
- Zinedine Zidane: His calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and ability to manage egos brought out the best in the team.
- Big Game Players: Players like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Benzema, and Bale consistently delivered in crucial moments.
- Squad Depth: Zidane rotated his squad effectively, ensuring everyone was fresh and ready for the big games.
These victories solidified Real Madrid’s position as the greatest club in European football history and marked one of the most dominant eras in the Champions League.
Here are the squads for Real Madrid during their historic UEFA Champions League victories in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The core group of players remained largely the same across these three seasons, forming a dominant team under Zinedine Zidane.
2015–16 Squad (La Undécima)
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
- Goalkeepers:
- Keylor Navas
- Kiko Casilla
- Rubén Yáñez
- Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal
- Marcelo
- Sergio Ramos
- Pepe
- Raphael Varane
- Nacho
- Álvaro Arbeloa
- Danilo
- Midfielders:
- Luka Modrić
- Toni Kroos
- Casemiro
- James Rodríguez
- Isco
- Mateo Kovačić
- Forwards:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Karim Benzema
- Gareth Bale
- Lucas Vázquez
- Jesé Rodríguez
2016–17 Squad (La Duodécima)
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
- Goalkeepers:
- Keylor Navas
- Kiko Casilla
- Rubén Yáñez
- Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal
- Marcelo
- Sergio Ramos
- Raphael Varane
- Nacho
- Danilo
- Pepe
- Midfielders:
- Luka Modrić
- Toni Kroos
- Casemiro
- Isco
- Mateo Kovačić
- James Rodríguez
- Forwards:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Karim Benzema
- Gareth Bale
- Lucas Vázquez
- Álvaro Morata
- Marco Asensio
2017–18 Squad (La Decimotercera)
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
- Goalkeepers:
- Keylor Navas
- Kiko Casilla
- Luca Zidane
- Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal
- Marcelo
- Sergio Ramos
- Raphael Varane
- Nacho
- Theo Hernández
- Jesús Vallejo
- Achraf Hakimi
- Midfielders:
- Luka Modrić
- Toni Kroos
- Casemiro
- Isco
- Mateo Kovačić
- Marcos Llorente
- Dani Ceballos
- Forwards:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Karim Benzema
- Gareth Bale
- Lucas Vázquez
- Marco Asensio
- Borja Mayoral
Key Players Across All Three Seasons
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Top scorer and talisman.
- Sergio Ramos: Captain and leader, known for clutch moments.
- Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro: Dominant midfield trio.
- Marcelo and Dani Carvajal: Key full-backs who balanced attack and defense.
- Karim Benzema: Consistent and vital in link-up play.
- Keylor Navas: Crucial saves in big games.
Real Madrid Current Squad (01/2025)
Goalkeepers:
- Thibaut Courtois (#1)
- Andriy Lunin (#13)
- Luis López
Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal (#2)
- Éder Militão (#3)
- David Alaba (#4)
- Nacho Fernández (#6)
- Antonio Rüdiger (#22)
- Ferland Mendy (#23)
- Lucas Vázquez (#17)
- Fran García (#20)
Midfielders:
- Luka Modrić (#10)
- Toni Kroos (#8)
- Federico Valverde (#15)
- Eduardo Camavinga (#6)
- Aurélien Tchouaméni (#14)
- Dani Ceballos (#19)
- Jude Bellingham (#5)
Forwards:
- Kylian Mbappé (#9)
- Vinícius Júnior (#7)
- Rodrygo Goes (#11)
- Brahim Díaz (#21)
- Endrick (#16)
Updated as of January 2025.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Spanish Super Cup Final 2025
On January 12, 2025, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This victory marked Barcelona’s 15th Super Cup title, extending their record in the competition.
Match Highlights
- Real Madrid’s Early Lead:
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 4th minute, giving Real Madrid an early advantage. - Barcelona’s Dominant Response:
Barcelona quickly turned the tide with four goals in the first half:- Lamine Yamal equalized shortly after Mbappé’s opener.
- Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty to put Barcelona ahead.
- Raphinha added a third goal with a powerful strike.
- Alejandro Balde scored a fourth just before halftime.
- Second Half:
- Raphinha scored again early in the second half, making it 5-1.
- Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, received a red card, leaving the team with 10 players.
- Rodrygo scored a late consolation goal for Real Madrid, ending the match 5-2.
Significance of the Victory
- Hansi Flick’s First Trophy:
The win marked the first title for Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, showcasing a strong start under his leadership. - End of a Trophy Drought:
This victory ended a nearly two-year period without silverware for Barcelona, signaling a return to form. - Media Reactions:
The result was described by some as a “humiliation” for Real Madrid, with global headlines focusing on Barcelona’s emphatic performance.
Post-Match Reflections
- Carlo Ancelotti’s Comments:
Real Madrid’s coach acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses, particularly in the first half, as key factors in the defeat. - Dani Olmo’s Gesture:
Barcelona’s Dani Olmo celebrated the win by kissing the club badge, reaffirming his commitment to the team amidst transfer speculation.
This decisive victory not only strengthened Barcelona’s position as a dominant force in Spanish football but also provided momentum for the rest of their 2025 campaign.
