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Real Madrid have been a powerhouse in world football over the years, and have a rich history dating back more than a century. The only club to have received FIFA's 'Club of the Century' accolade, Real Madrid were undeniably the greatest football club in the 20th century.
Their rich history backed by massive finances has meant that Real Madrid have had little problems attracting the best talents in the game. The 'Galactico' era saw the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo sign for the 34-time Spanish champions.
However, Real Madrid did not enjoy success in all their pursuits, as several elite players have turned down the opportunity to ply their trade at the historic Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, here's a look at the five players who rejected moves to Real Madrid.
#5 Cesc Fabregas
One of the most prominent names to have rejected Real Madrid is former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas graduated from the esteemed La Masia academy, but made the move to Arsenal at the age of 16. The Spaniard established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation during his time in London.
The now-34-year-old was on the verge of a move back to his boyhood club in the summer of 2011. In a last-ditch attempt, then-Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon tried to convince Fabregas to move to the Spanish capital.
In an interview, Fabregas revealed, "That you are wanted by Madrid, one of the biggest teams in history, is important."
When asked about his reply to Calderon, Fabregas admitted he did not say "no" but instead said, 'not now'.
The Spaniard enjoyed an immensely successful three-year spell with Barcelona, where he won the La Liga, Copa Del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
#4 Francesco Totti
Perhaps the greatest one-club footballer in the history of the game, Francesco Totti rejected lucrative offers from several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Italian spent the length of his 25-year professional career at AS Roma, and is the club's record-holder for most appearances (786) and goals (307).
Totti was at the peak of his powers in the 2006-07 season, registering a stellar tally of 32 goals and 15 assists across competitions. He won the European Golden Boot and Serie A Golden Boot awards that campaign, and was regarded as one of the best in European football at the time.
Totti had the option of leaving for the traditionally 'bigger' European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but he chose to remain loyal to his boyhood team.
In a 2012 interview with Sky Italia, Totti said:
"I think I earned the contract that has been drawn up for me, because I always fought for what I have. I never thought about money, otherwise I would have left aged 26 when Real Madrid and Barcelona wanted (me)."
The World Cup winner continued:
"I would've earned double what I am picking up now. I always wanted to make my career with the Giallorossi jersey, and nobody will ever again refuse the money I did from Madrid and Barcelona. It was a choice made with the heart, and for that alone, I want some respect."
#3 Steven Gerrard
Much like Totti, Steven Gerrard was one of the most loyal footballers in the game, rejecting offers from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid.
The Englishman is considered by many to be the greatest one-club man in footballing history, despite his brief two-year spell at MLS' LA Galaxy towards the end of his career.
Gerrard was responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Liverpool's modern history, including a 'Man of the Match performance' in the Reds' remarkable comeback from three goals down in the 2005 Champions League final.
While the story of Gerrard almost joining Chelsea is well known, the prolific midfielder also had several offers from Real Madrid.
In an interview in 2014, Gerrard revealed:
"I think I had a couple of options throughout my career to go to Real Madrid, but I resisted temptation because of the big connection I had to my hometown club."
He added:
"It may be something I regret further down the line by not challenging myself and having a change of scenery in a different country, but I would have had a bigger regret leaving the club I love. I am a big fan of Real Madrid; they are a special club, but for me, Liverpool are my number one club."
After winning nine trophies and acquiring legendary status at his boyhood club, there's little to regret for the midfield maestro.
#2 Neymar
One of the most open secrets of the transfer market has been Real Madrid's desire to sign Neymar since his time at Santos.
Los Blancos tried to sign the 29-year-old on two different occasions, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit. According to reports, their first attempt to lure Neymar was when he was just 13, plying his trade for Santos' youth setup. While the Brazilian was intrigued by the opportunity, he preferred to hone his skills at his hometown in Santos instead of moving continents to Madrid at such a young age.
The second time Real Madrid unsuccessfully tried to land Neymar was in the 2013 summer transfer window. The Brazilian sensation decided to part ways with his boyhood club, triggering a bidding war between some of the biggest clubs in world football.
Real Madrid were one of the parties involved, but were outbid by their arch-rivals Barcelona, who acquired Neymar for a whopping €88.2 million.
#1 Lionel Messi
Undoubtedly the most prominent player to have rejected Real Madrid, Lionel Messi, reportedly turned down a move to the Santiago Bernabeu thrice.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena COPE, Florentino Perez tried to bring the then-Barcelona wizard to Real Madrid on three occasions. However, Messi responded with a 'Thanks, but no' to Perez's offers, and decided to remain loyal to his boyhood club.
In an interview with ESPN.com, Messi's former agent Horacio Gaggioli revealed that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner could have signed for Real Madrid in his youth days.
He said:
"Due to life circumstances, I went to live in Barcelona, and I brought him to Barca for a trial. But I was about to live in Madrid. If that had happened, I would have taken him to Madrid for a trial. That's life; those are the details. Today, Messi could have been a Real Madrid player."
Florentino Perez has pulled off some of the biggest transfers in footballing history in the 'Galactico' era, but the signing of Lionel Messi proved to be a bridge too far.
