5 players who can replace Ronaldo at Real Madrid

On Tuesday, when the whole world was busy previewing the semi-final between France and Belgium, it was officially announced that Cristiano Ronaldo had finally moved to Juventus. According to reports, Juventus paid €100 million for the signing the 33-year-old from Real Madrid. Since his transfer from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo enjoyed staggering success at Real Madrid in the 9 seasons, helping the club to win 16 trophies including 4 UEFA Champions League title, including a hat-trick of titles in the last 3 seasons under Frenchman Zinedine Zidane. He has also won 2 La Ligas and 2 Copa Del Rays. His role in these victories also helped win a lot of individual accolades. The Portuguese Forward had won 4 Ballon D'ors since moving to Real Madrid in 2009.

But over the last season, there were continuous reports from the Spanish capital that Ronaldo was unhappy with his salary. Since Neymar's move to Paris Saint Germain last summer, he was the highest paid player in the world and Leo Messi too, earned close to Neymar after his contract renewal with FC Barcelona last year. Real Madrid were reluctant to increase Ronaldo's salary and hence he made the decision to move away from the Spanish Capital.

But now the onus is on Real Madrid's board to replace the player of Ronaldo's stature. It will be a tough task for the Los Blancos considering the 33-year-old's record for the club and the impact he had on his opponents. We look at the 5 players who have proved their calibre for the club and country and may be signed by Real Madrid to fill the huge boots of the club record goalscorer.

#1 Neymar

The Paris Saint Germain Winger who moved to France for a world record fee from FC Barcelona last season is the most likely player to replace Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has a dream to get Neymar’s signature at Real Madrid. Neymar's style of play on the Left Wing is similar to Ronaldo's style a few years back. This makes the Brazilian likely to move back to Spain this year.

In the 2017-18 season, Neymar was in red-hot form, scoring 30 goals and setting up 18 for club and country in just 34 appearances. These stats are more valuable as his season was cut short by a fracture in the right foot which ended his season in February itself.

#2 Kylian Mbappe

Teen Sensation Kylian Mbappe was linked to Real Madrid last summer before his Loan to Transfer move to French Champions PSG. It’s likely Real Madrid may bid for the Mbappe considering his staggering World Cup form. PSG too may sell Mbappe to avoid any ban from UEFA regarding Financial Fairplay regulations. The 2017 Golden Boy winner, has enjoyed success in the French league over the past 2 seasons with AS Monaco as well as PSG. With the able support of Edinson Cavani and Neymar, Mbappe scored 17 goals and 11 assists which helped PSG win the domestic treble. In a recent survey conducted by Marca, 54 % of the Galactico Fans want Mbappe to move to Madrid.

#3 Eden Hazard

The Chelsea Winger has been linked to Real Madrid for a long time now and more during Zidane's reign as Manager. The Belgian, who is a contender for the World Cup Golden Ball has the capability to fill the boots of Ronaldo. The European Champions may get the signature of Hazard this summer. Though Hazard wasn't in top form throughout the last season,he still managed to score 12 goals in the league and also helped the Blues win the FA Cup defeating Manchester United in the Final. Also considering the Belgium Captain's top form for his country this World Cup he may well be Real Madrid's No. 1 target this summer. According to Marca, Eden Hazard may be the player that Real Madrid may sign and build a team around him.

#4 Paulo Dybala

Dybala can be Ronaldo's replacement for the Galacticos considering his qualities as a Playmaker as well as a Goalscorer. This may well turn into a Swap deal between Juventus and Real Madrid. The Argentine forward has been lighting up the Serie A with his heroics for the Old Lady in the past 2 seasons.

Though Dybala played only 22 minutes of Argentina's World Cup campaign his performances over the past 2 seasons may attract interest from the European Champions. Dybala has been a crucial part of the Juventus side netting 22 goals in the league triumph. He also played a significant part Juve's win in the Italian cup completing the domestic double.

#5 Robert Lewandowski

The Polish Striker has enjoyed tremendous success at Bayern Munich in the 4 years he has spent at the club. Also, there were reports in Germany, earlier in the summer that the former Borussia Dortmund striker wanted to leave Germany. Lewandowski has been linked to the Los Blancos since last season. Ronaldo's blockbuster move to Italy may lead Lewandowski to Spain.

Last season, Lewandowski was the top scorer of the Bundesliga scoring 29 goals in 24 appearances. Overall he has been in goalscoring form throughout his career at the Bavarian Club with 106 goals to his name over the past 4 seasons.