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Real Madrid apparently take the top spot when it comes to ranking clubs based on the number of big-name signings they've made over the years. Thanks to their Galacticos policy, Los Blancos have splashed insane amounts to acquire some of the biggest superstars.
Some of these players managed to justify their transfers by impressing with their performances and achievements at the Santiago Bernabeu. Others, though, failed to step up in the Spanish capital, owing to various reasons ranging from adaptation issues, inability to handle pressure, recurring injuries and mere bad luck.
These players joined Real Madrid as Galactico signings, arriving with much expectation but failed to deliver on the promise. On that note, here's a look at five such players:
#5 Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic arrived at Real Madrid following a prolific outing with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018-19, bagging 27 goals and seven assists. The striker cost the Spanish giants a hefty €70 million in transfer fees. However, he has failed to justify his switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Serb has recorded a disappointing three goals and four assists in 42 appearances for Los Blancos thus far. He was loaned back to Frankfurt for the second half of last season after failing to impress with his performances in front of goal.
Luka Jovic has played ten games for Real Madrid across competitions this season, scoring just once and bagging two assists. As things stand, it doesn't look like the Serb has a future at the club, and could be on the move anytime soon.
#4 James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez's transfer to Real Madrid generated a lot of noise during the summer of 2014.
He was the breakout star at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Colombian was expected to shake the football world following his €75 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the attacker couldn't reach his potential in the Spanish capital. He bagged just 37 goals and 41 assists for Los Blancos in 125 games across competitions during his six-year stint. After failing to impress with Everton following his Real Madrid spell, the Colombian eventually joined Qatari side Al-Rayyan SC this summer.
#3 Kaka
Former Real Madrid star Kaka is the last player to win the coveted Ballon d'Or award before the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. So his transfer to Real Madrid came with a lot of expectations. The Brazilian joined Los Blancos in a deal worth €65 million in the summer of 2009.
Unfortunately, the attacking midfielder would go on to experience a torrid fate at the Santiago Bernabeu. Kaka spent just four years in the Spanish capital, but bagged only 29 goals and 39 assists in 120 appearances across competitions.
After failing to cut it at the club, the Brazilian secured a return to AC Milan as a free agent in the summer of 2013. His second spell with the Serie A giants lasted just one season after which he played in the MLS and Brazil before retiring in 2017.
#2 Michael Owen
Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 - just three years after winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. The striker was a huge force to be reckoned with during his days at Liverpool. However, he appeared totally lost on switching to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Owen spent just one year in the Spanish capital, mostly warming the bench. He made 45 appearances for the Liga giants across competitions, registering a paltry 16 goals and four assists. He ended up returning to the Premier League, with Newcastle United snapping him up for €25 million in the summer of 2005.
#1 Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard completed his dream move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, leaving Chelsea to join Los Blancos for a whopping €100 million. Unfortunately, his spell in the Spanish capital has produced more questions than answers thus far.
Hazard has been a pale shadow of his illustrious self since switching to the Santiago Bernabeu, with recurring injuries severely limiting his impact. The playmaker has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, having recorded 15 separate injury setbacks in just two years.
So far, the former Chelsea maestro has bagged just five goals and nine assists for the Liga giants in 55 games across competitions. This season, he only has one assist to his name in 12 appearances across all fronts.
