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With 34 La Liga titles and 13 European Cups, Real Madrid remains the most decorated club in football history. Los Blancos' obsession with success has helped them achieve implausible feats while bringing some of the finest footballers to the club.
Real Madrid have always witnessed numerous all-time greats play for them in their illustrious history. The Spanish giants remain a dream destination for many top footballers. Meanwhile, they are renowned for splashing the cash on the best players in the world to become their Galactico signing.
However, Real Madrid are also notorious for being ruthless with their legends
More often than not, they would not hesitate to offload their legends and deadwood in search of new blood. Raul, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos are a few of the notable legends who have been sold despite their relentless service to the club.
Without further delay, let us take a look at five Real Madrid foreigners who deserved to retire at Real Madrid.
#5 Fernando Redondo
Fernando Redondo was a gifted defensive midfielder back in his days who joined Real Madrid in 1994 from Tenerife. It was manager Jorge Valdano's wish to bring the Argentine midfielder to the club, a move which bode well for Los Blancos.
In addition to being defensively solid, Redondo had supreme poise on the ball which helped him initiate attacks. The midfielder enjoyed six successful campaigns with Real Madrid. He helped them win five trophies, including two La Liga titles and two European Cups.
Redondo was sold to AC Milan in 2000 which was controversial in nature as the player himself did not want the move. Being a fan favorite, there was protest outside the Santiago Bernabeu against the sale of the player.
#4 Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima was a footballer who featured for rival clubs in both Spain and Italy. Yet the Brazilian forward was loved by all for his sheer caliber on the pitch.
Ronaldo was one of the greatest forwards in the game. There is a resounding argument that he could have broken all records had he not suffered multiple potentially career-ending injuries.
Ronaldo had the knack of breaking down defensive lines with his dribbling and pace, which made him a threat to be reckoned with. During his five-year stay at the club, the Brazilian forward racked up 103 goals and 35 assists in 177 matches.
Ronaldo was a fan favorite and his move to AC Milan in the twilight of his career in 2007 could have been avoided.
#3 Hugo Sanchez
Hugo Sanchez was the forward for Real Madrid's famous 'Quinta del Buitre' squad. The team comprised Emilio Butragueno, Manuel Sanchis, Martin Vasquez, Michel and Miguel Pardeza. The Mexican helped Los Blancos win five consecutive league titles, a Copa Del Rey and a UEFA Cup during his tenure at the club.
Sanchez was a prolific goalscorer who won four consecutive Pichichi awards between 1985 and 1990. He helped Real Madrid dominate the Spanish top flight. The legendary forward scored 208 goals in 283 appearances for the Spanish giants, etching his name into the history books.
Sanchez also equalled Telmo Zarra’s record for most goals in a league campaign with 38 goals in the 1989-90 season. His transfer at the end of his spell to Mexico was hard to digest for the fans as he left an incredible mark at the club.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest goalscorer in Real Madrid’s rich history. Averaged just over one goal per game, Ronaldo racked up 450 goals in 438 games for Los Blancos. He surpassed the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas and Raul.
Ronaldo's extraterrestrial statistics are a testament to his legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu. During his nine-year stint at the club, the Portuguese icon broke a plethora of records. He also guided Real Madrid to immense success on the European circuit.
With Ronaldo as their talisman, Real Madrid won four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles, among other notable accolades. The 36-year old's departure to Juventus in 2018 was a bitter pill to swallow. It was especially hard after he had just won three consecutive Champions League titles with the Spanish giants.
Ronaldo previously expressed his desire to retire at Real Madrid but a lucrative offer from Juventus sealed his departure.
#1 Raymond Kopa
Raymond Kopa was one of the first superstars of Real Madrid. The French legend was an integral part of the Los Blancos team which went on to create history by winning five consecutive European Cups in 1950s.
During his three-season tenure at the club, Kopa won three European titles along with two Spanish Championships. The legendary forward was renowned for his dribbling and efficiency in the final third. He helped his teammates outscore opponents with effortless ease.
Kopa's exploits helped him win the coveted Ballon d'Or award in 1958. He also enjoyed several podium finishes in his esteemed career. His departure to his former club Reims signaled the end of life at Real Madrid.
