The 5 worst signings in Real Madrid's history

4. Kaka

Kaka cost Real a huge amount of money for little in return

Real’s legendary Galactico policy – in other words, attempting to sign the world’s best players regardless of transfer fee or playing position – had seemingly ended midway through the 2000s, but the summer of 2009 saw it re-established in style when Los Blancos bought superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka to the Bernabeu.

But while Ronaldo naturally went on to become a huge success in Madrid – winning multiple titles in La Liga as well as four Champions Leagues and becoming Real’s all-time top goalscorer – the same could not be said for Brazil’s Kaka. The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, who signed for a fee of €67m, could never quite translate his AC Milan form to his career at Real.

The biggest issue the Brazilian forward had at the Bernabeu was injuries; after a modest return of 9 goals and 8 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions in his debut season, he picked up a bad knee injury which sidelined him for the majority of 2010/11, restricting him to just 14 league appearances.

The Brazilian’s form improved somewhat in 2011/12 as Real won La Liga, but he was still restricted to just 27 league appearances and only scored 5 goals. By the end of 2012/13, it was clear that his best years were behind him, and he moved back to Milan that summer. Kaka’s time at Real would usually just be considered a mild disappointment – but due to his monstrous transfer fee and stellar reputation upon his arrival, it’s hard not to rank him highly here.