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#Robert Carlos (1996 - 2007)
Real Madrid have always been fond of defenders with the soul of an attacker. The club have always encouraged flamboyance, even at the expense of stability at the back. Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos matched Real Madrid’s sentiment to a T, which is why he is still adored so much by the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.
Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid in 1996 and inspired a generation of full-backs to be more adventurous and to trust their gut. The left-footed left-back tore through the left flank at will, paying no mind to the rough challenges that flew in.
Carlos’ exuberance knew no bounds and he was always up for sprinting down his preferred flank.
He was also a set-piece specialist, capable of shooting from ridiculous distances with his left foot. In 1997, he scored an impossible free-kick for Brazil against France, whose charisma remains unbeaten to this day.
Between 1996 and 2007, he played 527 games for Real Madrid, scoring 70 goals and providing 90 assists.
#2 Marcelo (2007 - Present)
With Roberto Carlos in the twilight of his career, Real Madrid decided to try their luck again with another Brazilian in 2007. Marcelo, who was only 18 at the time, was ecstatic to get the chance to learn from his idol and signed the contract immediately.
Initially, the lack of game time frustrated him, but he eventually became an integral part of the Real Madrid squad.
Marcelo did not have a thunderous left-foot like Carlos, but he more than made up for it with his dribbling and crossing ability. The current Real Madrid captain has played 530 games for the club so far, registering 38 goals and 101 assists.
He may not be Real Madrid’s first-choice full-back anymore, but the four-time Champions League winner can still make a difference when called upon.
#1 Raul (1994 - 2010)
Real Madrid’s captain extraordinaire Raul Gonzales sits pretty at the top of our list and deservedly so. Between 1994 and 2010, Raul was the prince of Real Madrid - the man who could do no wrong. He was an excellent dribbler, could score from anywhere on the pitch, and had the heart of a lion.
The Spanish forward personified the spirit of Real Madrid. He was an exemplary sportsman and always managed to put the club above him. His record of 323 goals in 741 appearances speaks volumes of the player he was and Los Blancos were lucky to call him their own.
With Raul leading from the front, Real Madrid won six La Ligas and four Champions League titles amongst other honors.
