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Real Madrid was the World's first Super Club. Statistically speaking, it is one of the most decorated footballing club ever.
When European Cup was first launched in 1955/56 season, they announced their European superiority by winning the cup five times in a row. Apart from the numerous other silverware, the club has a record 33 Ligas to its name and has dominated the highest level of footballing competition by winning 13 European cups.
For over several decades, the club has attracted the biggest names in the footballing industry employing their Galactico policy.
A major share of that success comes from the hard work of the defenders who over the years have shed their blood, sweat and tears for the pride of this glorious club. So let's take a look at the 5 greatest defenders who embraced the Los Blancos badge.
Before we start I would like to name out a few honourable mentions: José Martínez Sánchez (Pirri), Marcelo Vieira, Jose Antonio Camacho, Manolo Sanchís Hontiyuelo and many others.
#5 Sergio Ramos
Appearances: 578
Years played: 2005-Present
Everything about Ramos induces a sense of the Real Madrid ethics, such has been his imperishable bond with the club. Since Real Madrid acquired his services from Sevilla in 2005, the Spaniard has grown into a world-class defender aiding his side to 19 silverware in the process.
Ramos has shown great character over the years, he's been the strong leader who everyone looks up to in the dressing room. A great header of the ball, over and over he has turned up for Madrid at crucial moments to seal the victory for the Los Blancos.
Now 31, the mighty defender is still not showing any signs of stopping and has several more years ahead of him to forge a greater status for himself as a Madridista than he already is.
Honours: 4 European Cup, 3 FIFA Club World Cup, 3 European Super Cup, 4 Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, 3 Spanish Super Cup & 1 World Cup.
#4 José Santamaría
Appearances: 337
Years played: 1957-1966
In the late 50s and the early 60s, Real Madrid were at the absolute apex of the European football. The glorious galacticos featured stars such as Francisco Gento, Alfredo di Stefano, Hector Rial and Ferenc Puskas. At the crux of the backline was the star of the defence, José Santamaría.
Santamaria moved to Santiago Bernebeau during his peak years in 1957 when he was 28. He instantly became a hit at the club winning the Liga and the European Cup during his first season with them, representing the club 34 times in both competitions combined.
Santamaria was an absolute defensive juggernaut, his sense of positioning was supernatural and he was as solid as a wall can get. The legendary defender retired from the beautiful game in 1966.
Honours: 5 La Liga, 4 European Cup, 1 Spanish Cup &1 Intercontinental Cup.
#3 Roberto Carlos
Appearances: 527
Years played: 1996-2007
Pace, Power and a left foot that was made of metal, that's Roberto Carlos for you in a nutshell. The Brazilian born defender belonged to the first generation of fullbacks who also provided support in the attack. In a career that spans over a decade at the Bernabeu, Carlos marauded up and down the left flank with authority.
Apart from his defensive and offensive expertise, he was also a master of the free kicks with some of his strikes reaching a vicious velocity of 140km/h. In 2007 he left the club and holds the Whites all-time record for most number of games by a foreigner.
Ronaldinho once mentioned Carlos, saying-
Honours: 3 European Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 4 La Liga & 3 Spanish Super Cup.
#2 Miguel Porlán Noguera a.k.a Chendo
Appearances: 497
Years played: 1982-1998
Chendo was a one-club man, he started, progressed and finished his entire career with the Los Blancos. During his 16 years long career with the senior squad, there was a nine season continuous period where the Spaniard was the unquestioned starter for the team.
Chendo's forte was his marking ability, this was certified when in a historic clash between Real Madrid and Napoli in 1987, the Spaniard completely man marked the great Diego Maradona out of the game.
After Real Madrid lifted its seventh European Cup on May 20th 1998, Chendo retired from professional football, aged 36.
Honours: 1 European Cup, 2 UEFA Cups, 7 Ligas, 2 Spanish Cups, 4 Spanish Super Cups & 1 Spanish League Cup.
#1 Fernando Hierro
Appearances: 601
Years played: 1989-2003
127 goals in 601 appearances, these are the figures that you don't generally associate with a defender. But Hierro was no ordinary defender, he was the ultimate all-rounder. The Spaniard was positionally adept at any central role, often switching between centre back and defensive mid positions.
Hierro possessed exceptional passing prowess, spraying the ball all around the field with absolute precision. During his prime, getting past Hierro was no less difficult than a mountain climb, such was his stature.
Apart from the aforementioned skills, the Spaniard's anticipation was absolutely psychic. He could anticipate the opponents' passes before they were even played as if he could see the future. Hierro left the club in 2003 to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan.
Honours: 3 European Cups,2 Intercontinental Cups, 1 European Super Cup, 5 Ligas, 1 Copa del Rey & 4 Spanish Super Cups
That completes our list of five Greatest Real Madrid defenders of all time.
