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#3 Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro is one of the most decorated centre-backs in Real Madrid history. The defender was among the very best of his era, serving Los Blancos relentlessly for 14 years. He was signed for a modest fee of €8,11,000 from Real Valladolid in 1989 and became a legend for the all whites.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Hierro was also renowned for his goalscoring prowess. The Spaniard bagged 126 goals in over 600 games for Real Madrid. He won the Champions League thrice and La Liga five times, among other notable accolades.
Hierro was a versatile player and a mainstay for Real Madrid during his tenure at the club, surely a bargain considering his legacy at the club. There was another significant defender in the club's history who followed in his footsteps.
#2 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos will go down as one of the greatest captains in Real Madrid's rich history. A centre-back by trade, the Spaniard defined some of the club's biggest moments with his majestic displays during his 16-year tenure at the club. Like Hierro, he packed solid defensive prowess with a penchant for scoring goals.
Ramos is only the second defender ever to score over 100 goals in over 650 games for the club behind Roberto Carlos. The 35-year old possessed an aerial threat from set-pieces and had a knack for his marauding forward runs.
Ramos arrived from Sevilla for €27 million in 2005 which was the record transfer for a Spanish defender. He went on to win La Liga five times and the Champions League four times, among other notable accolades. The defender has scored in two Champions League finals, which denotes his legacy with Real Madrid.
#1 Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano is one of the greatest to ever don the royal white jersey. The legendary Argentine was a major orchestrator of Real Madrid's European dominance. He won two Ballon d'Ors for his exploits, once in 1957 and the second in 1959.
Di Stefano immortalized his legacy by helping Real Madrid win five consecutive European cups, scoring in each of the five European Cup finals. During his 10-year stint with the club, the forward also left his mark in La Liga. The five-time Pichichi winner scored goals for fun and helped the club win eight league titles.
Di Stefano's transfer was a controversial one with arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid fighting for his signature. €24000 is reportedly what it took to secure his services, which is undoubtedly a bargain for Real Madrid.
