1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the title of the best Real Madrid player ever, Cristiano Ronaldo played for the club from 2009 to 2018. During his nine seasons at Real Madrid, Ronaldo set numerous records, including becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in just 438 appearances. His achievements with Real Madrid include:
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- 2 La Liga titles
- 4 Ballon d’Or wins while at the club
Ronaldo’s impact on Real Madrid was immense, and he remains a fan favorite and a global football icon.
2. Alfredo Di Stéfano
Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stéfano was widely considered Real Madrid’s greatest player. The Argentine forward, who played for the club between 1953 and 1964, helped Real Madrid dominate European football, leading them to five consecutive European Cup titles (now the Champions League) between 1956 and 1960. Di Stéfano scored 216 goals in 282 appearances for the club and was known for his versatility, intelligence, and leadership on the pitch.
3. Raúl González
A symbol of loyalty and consistency, Raúl spent 16 years at Real Madrid (1994–2010), becoming one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history. With 323 goals in 741 appearances, he was the club’s top scorer before Ronaldo surpassed him. Raúl was known for his leadership, poise, and knack for scoring in big games. He won:
- 3 UEFA Champions League titles
- 6 La Liga titles
4. Ferenc Puskás
The Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás joined Real Madrid in 1958 and became part of the legendary team that dominated Europe. Known for his powerful left foot and incredible goal-scoring ability, Puskás formed a deadly partnership with Di Stéfano. He scored 242 goals in 262 appearances and won 3 European Cups with the club.
5. Sergio Ramos
While defenders often get less recognition, Sergio Ramos is an exception. One of the best center-backs in modern football, Ramos served as Real Madrid’s captain and played a pivotal role in their dominance, particularly in Europe. Ramos was known for his leadership, defensive skills, and crucial goals in key moments (like his last-minute equalizer in the 2014 Champions League final). He won:
- 5 La Liga titles
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles
Conclusion
While Cristiano Ronaldo is often regarded as the best Real Madrid player due to his extraordinary goal-scoring feats and contributions to the club’s recent success, other legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Raúl, Ferenc Puskás, and Sergio Ramos also have strong claims to this title. Each of these players left a unique and lasting legacy at Real Madrid, helping the club achieve its status as one of the greatest football teams in history.