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The 13-time European champions, Real Madrid, are arguably the most ambitious club in the history of the sport. They are seldom satisfied with their achievements and are always desperate to win more.
In pursuit of excellence, they have had the privilege of fielding some of the best players in history. However, the big-money moves have often come at a cost. They have had to unload players who deserved to stay a little longer.
Today, we take a look at players Real Madrid sold prematurely and later regretted their decision. Now, without standing at the ceremony, let's get to it.
Special mention: Angel di Maria, Sami Khedira, Gonzalo Higuain.
#5 Marcos Llorente (Sold to Atletico Madrid)
Unlike others on this list, Marcos Llorente has not yet done anything of massive significance in his career. But that should not sway us from the fact that Real Madrid should have figured out a way to hold on to the versatile midfielder.
Marcos Llorente came up through Real Madrid’s youth system and was meant to be a part of the first team. Unfortunately, Real Madrid had Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos as their preferred midfield trio, which made it impossible for Llorente to break in.
After his stunning stint at Alaves, Real Madrid recalled the player from loan in 2017. Sadly, he could only make 20 appearances over the course of the 2017-18 season. In 2018-19, the number of appearances decreased to 16, which ultimately contributed to his transfer in 2019.
Real Madrid sold the player to Atletico Madrid for €18million. A season later, Atletico won La Liga, beating Real Madrid and Barcelona. Unsurprisingly, he was one of Atletico’s best players in the 2020-21 season, registering 12 goals and 11 assists in La Liga itself.
#4 Mesut Ozil (Sold to Arsenal)
Ask any Real Madrid fan to pick their favorite playmaker, and they will unhesitantly point at Mesut Ozil. The German was part of a group of youngsters that impressed in the 2010 World Cup, and Real Madrid were quick to pull the trigger. Los Blancos signed the player from Werder Bremen in 2010 for only €18million, which seems ludicrous in this day and age.
Ozil, alongside Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira, formed Real Madrid's new midfield core. The trio paid dividends in some of the most crucial spells of the club’s history.
Ozil’s telepathic connection with Cristiano Ronaldo became Real Madrid’s biggest strength, as the duo could breach any defense in the world without breaking a sweat. Ozil provided 80 assists and scored 29 goals between 2010 and 2013 before being sold to Arsenal for around €50 million. He currently plies his trade at Turkish club Fenerbahce.
#3 Claude Makelele (Sold to Chelsea)
Claude Makele joined Real Madrid from Celta Vigo in the summer of 2000 for €14 million. Since the Frenchman joined the club in the same window as Luis Figo, his move did not get the attention it deserved. Under manager Vicente del Bosque, Makelele established himself as one of the best central defensive midfielders in the world.
Makelele was paid considerably less than the other members of the Galacticos, such as Figo, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldo Nazario. After winning two La Liga titles in three years, Makelele asked for a better contract in the summer of 2003. Real Madrid, who had recently signed David Beckham, refused to meet his demand and sold him to Chelsea for €20million.
Without the team’s anchor, the Galacticos failed to live up to the hype. Chelsea, on the other hand, flourished and won six trophies, including two Premier League titles and the 2006-07 FA Cup, during his five-season spell at Stamford Bridge.
#2 Arjen Robben (Sold to Bayern Munich)
Arjen Robben was a man of finesse and charisma, but sadly, Real Madrid could not find it in themselves to make him their star man. Los Blancos signed the Dutchman from Chelsea in August 2007, agreeing to pay €35 million to the Blues. Robben happily signed a five-year contract and proved himself worthy in his debut season itself.
His runs down the left flank were a sight to behold, and he regularly pitched in with goals, assists and creative passes. Aided by Robben's four goals and four assists in La Liga, Real Madrid cruised to the league title in 2007-08. The winger improved his tally to seven goals and eight assists the following season but was not allowed to feature in the 2009-10 campaign.
Despite wanting to continue at Real Madrid, Robben was sold to Bayern Munich for €25million. He went on to win 20 trophies with Bayern Munich over the next 10 seasons, including eight Bundesliga titles and the 2012-13 Champions League.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Sold to Juventus)
In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo completed a €94million-move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. The 2008 Ballon d’Or winner had a lot to live up to, but he never looked out of his depth. He was on the scoresheet in his first official match for Real Madrid, helping the club to a 3-2 win. Over the next nine years, the player established himself as the most successful transfer in the history of Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a stellar spell in the Spanish capital, scoring 451 goals in 438 games across all competitions. He won two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, amongst other accolades. For his exploits, he was awarded four Ballon d’Ors (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) during his Real Madrid career.
After winning his third consecutive Champions League title in 2018, he decided to join Serie A giants Juventus. Real Madrid accepted a €100 million bid for the player and gave him a farewell.
Eden Hazard was brought in the following season as his potential replacement. Unfortunately, the Belgian is yet to justify even a fraction of his €115million price tag. Ronaldo is still sorely missed at Real Madrid as the club are yet to find a goalscorer matching his caliber.
