Icons of the Bernabéu

Few clubs in world football come close to Real Madrid’s level of success, and even fewer can match the calibre of players who’ve worn the famous white shirt. Some of the sport’s greatest-ever talents graced the pitch at the Bernabéu. This lineup brings together the most iconic eleven in club history: legends who not only won it all, but also defined what it means to play for the club.

Iker Casillas - GK

The legendary goalkeeper from Móstoles (Madrid) is one of the best goalkeepers to ever put on a white shirt. Loved and adored by fans, 'San Iker' remains the most effective goalkeeper in La Liga with the highest registered clean sheets (174), per StatMuse.

Fernando Hierro - CB

A true leader at the back, Fernando Hierro combined defensive steel with an extraordinary eye for goal. Equally comfortable as a centre-back or holding midfielder, his reading of the game, aerial dominance and thunderous shot made him one of the most complete players of his generation. With over 600 appearances and more than 100 goals, Hierro was as decisive in defence as he was going forward. An emblem of authority during one of Madrid’s most successful eras.

Sergio Ramos - CB

Feared by some, loved by many... Sergio Ramos was the backline commander for Real Madrid for over 15 years. Originating from Seville, he made a controversial move to the Bernabéu in 2005. He was given the iconic number 4, worn by many great defenders in the past, like the aforementioned Hierro. During his time at Real Madrid, Ramos scored an incredible 101 goals for a defender (many of them crucial) in 671 games, according to Transfermarkt.

Roberto Carlos - LB

Roberto Carlos was a Real Madrid icon for over a decade at the Bernabéu, playing a crucial role during the 'Galácticos' era, contributing several thunderous strikes etched into footballing folklore. The Brazilian defender also played a crucial role during the 'post-Galáctico' transition, preparing his successor, Marcelo. "Real Madrid is bigger than egos," he used to say. During his 11 seasons at Madrid, he scored 69 goals and provided 116 assists in 527 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.

Fernando Redondo - CDM

From 1994 to 2000, Redondo brought style, intelligence and control to the heart of midfield. Known for his grace under pressure and flawless technique, he dictated the tempo with effortless composure. A master of the tackle and the turn, Redondo’s famous backheel assist at Old Trafford became a symbol of his class. Though not a prolific goalscorer, his influence was immense: he was the brain behind the team’s balance, and a fan favourite for the way he made football look easy.

Pirri - CM

José Martinez Sánchez, also known as 'Pirri,' is a name that resonates with many Real Madrid fans. From 1964 to 1980, the former midfielder was more than just a player; he was a true leader on the pitch. He scored 173 goals in 526 appearances, never shying away from a shot on goal, per StatMuse.

Zinedine Zidane - CM

Zidane achieved greatness both as a player and as a coach, but many fans will remember his Galáctico era from 2001 to 2006. The French midfielder was a key attacking reference for Real Madrid, consistently linking up plays. He scored 49 goals and handed out 67 assists during his 227 appearances as a Madridista, reports Transfermarkt. His iconic 2002 volley goal against Bayer Leverkusen during the Champions League final elevated him to 'GOAT' status.

Cristiano Ronaldo - RW

Dubbed as 'El Bicho' (the monster/bug), Cristiano Ronaldo forged himself a remarkable legacy at Real Madrid. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for the club with 450 goals in 438 games, per Transfermarkt. Love him or hate him, one can't deny his goal-scoring instinct was simply the best out there.

Alfredo Di Stéfano - ST

By far Real Madrid's greatest legend due to his impact on the modern game, Di Stéfano was one of the best players in Europe during the 1950s and 1960s. He scored 227 goals and handed 31 assists in 329 appearances in La Liga, per StatMuse. His legacy and values as a player continue to serve as the fundamental standards for Real Madrid's youngsters.

Honorable mentions

Real Madrid's history has been marked by world-class talents throughout the years, making it especially challenging to narrow it down to a starting XI. Nevertheless, we didn't want to leave out any honorable mentions, so here they are.

Míchel Salgado - RB

Míchel Salgado arrived at the Bernabéu in the 1999-00 season at 23 years old. He is now regarded as a club legend and one of the best right-backs to ever play in La Liga. During his ten years at the club, he scored five goals and handed out 25 assists in 371 official games, according to Transfermarkt.

José Antonio Camacho - LB

Camacho is regarded as one of the best defenders Spain has ever produced. "Camacho marked an era of greatness with both Real Madrid and the national team, where he poured his heart and soul into winning," shared the Real Madrid website. He joined the team in 1979 and retired eleven years later. He registered a total of 10 goals and six assists in 573 official games, according to Transfermarkt.

Ignacio Zoco - CDM

Zoco spent 12 years at the Bernabéu and won 10 major titles with Real Madrid from 1961 to 1972, leading a generation of greatness through Europe. "Standing at 184 cm and 81 kilos, Zoco was a wall in the midfield," writes the Real Madrid website. The last Real Madrid title he ever lifted was a domestic cup in 1974, after they beat FC Barcelona 4-0.

Xabi Alonso - CDM

Despite playing for only five years at the Bernabéu, many fans elevate Xabi Alonso to legendary status, given the significant impact he had on the team's performance across 158 La Liga games (per Transfermarkt). Despite bigger names filling the squad, the Basque midfielder was key under José Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Carlo Ancelotti (first spell) because of his ability to dictate the tempo of the game and raise standards.

Guti - CAM

Although controversial at times, many Madrid fans remember the Spaniard with fondness. Often a bit-part player, the iconic number 14 was dubbed one of the greatest passers in La Liga history, always able to thread a pass through a dozen legs. Guti registered 77 goals and 94 assists in 542 appearances for the club, reports Transfermarkt.

Toni Kroos - CM

One of Real Madrid’s most recent legends, Kroos was the team’s metronome, dictating the tempo and orchestrating plays with pinpoint precision. His vision, composure and world-class passing ability made him one of the best midfielders to ever wear the famous white shirt. He scored 28 goals and handed out 99 assists in 465 games as a Madridista, per Transfermarkt.

Luka Modric - CM

A once-in-a-generation midfielder, Modrić has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid for over a decade. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is pure class: with a knack for rising to the biggest occasions, he helped redefine the modern central midfielder. Modrić’s role in five Champions League triumphs places him among the all-time greats, not just at Madrid, but in world football as a whole. As his legendary spell in white draws to a close, he departs as one of the most admired and decorated players in club history.

Raymond Kopa - CAM

Kopa arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu as a superstar signing from Stade de Reims in 1956. According to Marca, Kopa was the spark that reignited the competitive flame within the club during the late 50s. With his flair and his creativity on the ball, the Frenchman helped secure three consecutive European Cups in three seasons.

Luis Figo - RW

The Portuguese midfielder was an absolute sensation for Real Madrid upon his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer of 2000. Figo was a magician with the ball, a constant threat on the attack. He scored 58 goals and provided 94 assists in 245 games, per Transfermarkt.

Ferenc Puskás - FW

A true Real Madrid legend, Ferenc Puskás was one of the best players of his generation. The Hungarian had a magical left foot and scored 242 goals in 262 games for Los Blancos, according to the club's official website.

Raúl González - ST

Raúl is another honorable mention, given that he holds the highest number of appearances for the club (741). A true 'killer 9' with sharp striker instincts who registered 323 goals during his years at Real Madrid, reports Transfermarkt.