DM: Fernando Redondo
Every choir needs a conductor, and Fernando Redondo was Real Madrid's. His elegance and technique with the ball stood out every time he was out there in the center of the pitch for the team.
Even though his start at the club wasn't as ideal as he would have liked because of an injury, he came back stronger than ever, cementing his position in the team and eventually becoming the team's focal point for every attacking move.
He represented Real Madrid in 225 official matches, winning two league titles and two Champions League trophies.
CM: Zinedine Zidane
During his playing days, Zinedine Zidane was like fine wine – getting better and better with age. The French maestro is not only regarded as one of Madrid’s best ever players, but all of football.
Zidane was never known for his pace, yet he was always first on the ball. He had skills and technical potential that were just out of the ordinary. When it came to leading the team or orchestrating an attack, he managed to see and analyse situations quicker than anyone else in the field.
He made the difference count. You could often find him gazing at the ball with a desire to win it; you could see the eloquent respect in his eyes.
His record money move to Real Madrid may not have been as productive in terms of trophies won, but in a team where Raul played the role of a local hero-turned-captain, he was the guy who pulled the strings; he would be the example of true footballing perfection.
He emerged as the marquee Galactico in the roster. And among all the superstars, he was one of the few players in Madrid’s transfer history who was actually worth that much. He was the quintessential playmaker in the team, and what he did on the pitch would leave all who witnessed in awe.
He was a wizard, a magician and his sense of austerity, hard work, humility and honesty were an inspiration to all.
CM: Alfredo di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano was the star of the 50s and not surprisingly, every fan wanted to see him play for their club. After a hard fought tug of war between Barcelona and Real Madrid, he eventually signed for the Whites and instantly became their most prized asset.
He was unbeatable on the pitch, creating his own chances from the middle and scoring them all by himself. He led the club to eighteen trophies in eleven seasons, scoring 308 goals in the process as his name became synonymous with Real Madrid's success.
And, his stint with the club didn't just end there. His second innings as a coach incited a generation of five homegrown Real Madrid players who proved to be the core of the team that dominated all of Spanish football in the 80s.
It was because of his contribution to the club, he was made Real Madrid's honorary president. Rest in peace, Godfather!
