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With greater power comes greater responsibilities, and Real Madrid is a club that has set its standards high enough in the past century. With it being the most successful team in the history of the sport, Los Blancos have always made sure that they are a step ahead of any football club that they have to face.
A team is completely incomplete without its leader, and Madrid have produced some of the most successful captains not just in its own history, but also the history of the sport, as being the captain of a highly successful club requires more than just presence.
From the likes of Fernando Hierro to Ignacio Zoco, Los Blancos has produced some of the most inspirational leaders in the world of football. Some have been successful, and some have not, but their leadership has always been unparalleled.
We have picked 5 such captains, who have led their teams to numerous silverware both domestically and internationally. However, their influence on their team is also a matter of consideration.
#5 Iker Casillas - Captaincy years: 2010-2015
After the departure of the two captains Raul and Guti in 2010, Casillas was obviously the first in line to have been selected as the successor to the two Spaniards. The goalkeeper is obviously one of the most successful glove bearers in the world. His leadership qualities earned his team a lot more than what Los Blancos were truly capable of.
During his highly successful tenure as the Real Madrid captain, his individual credentials aside, Casillas led his team to several accolades such as the LaLiga, 2 Copa Del Rey titles, a Super Cup de Espana, the UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup, making him one of the most decorated goalkeeping captains in the history of the sport.
The Real Madrid legend currently plays for the Portuguese side, FC Porto.
#4 Sergio Ramos - Captaincy years: 2015 - Present
One of the most feared defenders in the world, and arguably the greatest centre-back of all times, Ramos, without any explanation, is the light bearer of the modern era Real Madrid. After the departure of his longtime friend and predecessor Iker Casillas, it was his turn to lift the burden and lead his team.
To be honest, it looks like he has done his job well, as the former World Cup winner is considered by many as one of the greatest leaders of the modern era.
After assuming the mantle of Real Madrid's captaincy, Ramos has led his side to multiple record-breaking victories such as the LaLiga title in 2017, a Super Cup de Espana, 2 UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and a record-setting 3 consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
#3 Miguel Munoz Mozun: Captaincy years: 1948-1959
Mozun may be one of the greatest, most decorated football managers of all time, but he was also known for his tenure with Los Blancos as their leader for almost a decade. Earlier in his career, he had failed to attract the attention of the Madridistas, but it was his time at Celta Vigo that earned him another chance at the Bernabeu.
With a little over 350 appearances, Mozun became one of the most successful footballers in the history of the club. Arguably one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
His captaincy years were filled with silverware, as he managed to lead his team to 3 consecutive European Championships, 4 back to back Spanish league titles, and 2 Latin Cups, a period that was considered as one of the most successful tenures in the history of the club, which makes him one of the greatest leaders of Los Blancos.
#2 Raul Gonzales - Captaincy years: 2003-2010
Often regarded as one of the greatest Spanish footballers of all time, Raul is a face that we as football fans can never forget. With 741 appearances and 325 goals, the striker is easily one of the greatest ever Real Madrid forwards, and arguably one of the greatest of all times in the sport.
A leader by all means, his departure in 2010 was the beginning of a new era for Los Blancos. Raul was made the captain in 2003, and retained the position for 7 consecutive seasons.
During his tenure as the captain of Real Madrid, Raul led his side to multiple titles such as 2 LaLiga titles, and 2 Supercopa de Espana. Although he was never able to lead his team to a UEFA Champions League victory, it does not change the fact that he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever win the armband, as his leadership was unparalleled.
All stats via transfermarkt
#1 Manuel Sanchis - Captaincy years: 1988 - 2001
He was a part of the famous 'Quinta del Buitre', 5 homegrown Real Madrid players, who played an extremely important role in the development of the club's history.
A one-club man, Sanchis appeared in more than 700 official games for Los Blancos, as he was made the club captain in 1988. He is considered as the most successful captain in the history of Real Madrid, as he has won many titles as a captain.
A top quality defender and leader, he led his side to a number of honours, including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, an Intercontinental Cup, 5 Spanish League titles, 5 Spanish Cup titles, 5 Spanish Super Cups, and a UEFA Super Cup, earning his team a whopping 19 titles under his captaincy. His era of football was considered as the most successful period in Los Blancos' history.
