Ranking Real Madrid’s top 10 Galactico signings: David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid have always had that extra allure when it comes to star signings and the Spanish giants are expected to exercise that again this summer when they complete Kylian Mbappe’s protracted arrival on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo Ancelotti’s side could also be celebrating their 15th UEFA Champions League title, with Borussia Dortmund standing in their way at London’s Wembley Stadium, so a busy summer at the Santiago Bernabeu could be in store.

As the term suggests, the Galacticos are Real’s “galactic” signings over the years – transfers from another planet and often at astronomical prices, but always among the biggest names in world football, which is exactly in line with the arrival advance from Mbappé to Madrid. The French star is expected to join the list of the most successful Galacticos, but there is fierce competition for that title, with several top players having joined before him and a long way to go to match, let alone surpass, some of the best .

We take a look at the top 10 and rank them:

Honorable mention: Kaká from Milan for US$72 million (2009)

The Brazilian is often overlooked as part of Real Galacticos as he struggled to live up to his sublime Milan form everywhere he went afterwards, but his 2007 Ballon d’Or was well deserved and reflected who he was – at that time – without a doubt the best player on the planet. Exactly what Florentino Perez likes to hear, so this was a no-brainer for Los Merengues – even if it didn’t work out as planned.

10: Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham for $144 million (2023)

Our first entry, given this is only his debut season at Real, could quickly climb the rankings if he adds a UCL title to his La Liga title. The England international has been superb since arriving from Dortmund and is also expected to star in this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. While he and Mbappe together could form the new star duo at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will have an advantage over the France captain – if Real beat their former employers in London. The prospect of Mbappe joining Bellingham and Vini Jr. in white next season is tempting for any football fan.

9: Gareth Bale from Spurs for $109 million (2013)

With a then-world record transfer fee, the former Wales international was one of Perez’s biggest successes over the years. True fans may not consider him a true club legend, but his acquisition helped secure four Champions League victories between 2014-2018. It’s incredible when you consider his regular injuries and his indifference to football towards the end of his career, and certainly his time in Madrid when he made it painfully clear that the Welsh national team was a priority for him. Some unforgettable moments, however, make him a vital presence on this list.

8: Ronaldo from Inter for US$50 million (2002)

The “original” Ronaldo would eventually be surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo, but for a period, Real had one of the greatest players of all time in their ranks. It’s a shame then that the return of the Brazilian legend with his then world record (did you notice the theme?) was quite low. Despite playing alongside greats such as Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, Ronaldo’s main successes in Madrid were the 2003 La Liga title and an impressive goalscoring record despite some horrific injuries throughout his four years. there.

7: United’s David Beckham for $40.5 million (2003)

A year later, arguably the most galactic of football stars joined Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, but enjoyed only marginally greater success in the famous white shirt. The English legend and global fashion icon ticked all the boxes as a high-profile addition, but it was only towards the end of his time in Spain, before joining Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy, that Real began to see the best of Beckham. Just like Ronaldo, the La Liga title wasn’t exactly what anyone expected upon arriving from Manchester.

6: Luis Figo, from Barça, for US$65 million (2000)

One of the all-time coups over rivals Barcelona was taking star player Luis Figo from the Catalan giants and then winning La Liga twice, as well as the UCL in 2002, against this year’s Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Barça fans despise him to this day, but few moments stick in their memory more than the infamous pig’s head when he first lined up against Barça after crossing the most passionate division. Figo later left for Inter, but is considered one of the best signings of the true Galactico era – rather than the modern version, where every transfer was inflated beyond proportion.

5: Luka Modric from Spurs for $34.5 million (2012)

In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat the evergreen Croatian international on this list, given the sheer number of titles to his name. A whopping five Champions League titles could become six and then there are four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey, just to name a few. A Ballon d’Or in 2018 adds to his legend and he will leave Madrid a true Galactico, of which someone like him may not be seen again for some time – regardless of Mbappe.

4: Karim Benzema, from Lyon, for US$38 million (2009)

Some of the smartest money Perez ever spent was the French prodigy’s move from Olympique Lyonnais, but it didn’t always look like it would pan out. It took years, but Benzema eventually lived up to his billing and won five UCL titles, with four La Liga and three Copa del Rey, among others. Ballon d’Or winner at his absolute peak and enjoying a well-deserved period in the sun as Real’s main man, Benzema must be considered one of the greats.

3: Zinedine Zidane, from Juve, for US$84 million (2001)

The French superstar’s transfer is undoubtedly the most appropriate benchmark for Mbappe to look at ahead of his arrival in Madrid. One of the biggest names and in best form at the time of his transfer following his Ballon d’Or success, Zidane not only led Real to UCL success in 2002 with one of the greatest goals of all time, but also went on to coach the team with great success – notably the three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016-18.

2: Sergio Ramos, from Sevilla, for US$29 million (2005)

A 16-year association, many of them as captain, makes Sergio Ramos an essential addition to this list, despite the relatively low price. Four UCLs, five La Ligas, two Copa del Reys and great international success at the Santigao Bernabeu mean that Ramos is considered a truly legendary figure for Merengues fans and someone who has seen the highs and lows of Madrid but has always been an indispensable figure for all Real bosses during this period.

1: Cristiano Ronaldo, from United, for US$102 million (2009)

To little or no surprise, however, Real’s undisputed best Galactico is the Portuguese star. One of the biggest transfers ever in football history – let alone Real – and it’s an example of why the best players cost a lot of money. Champions League dominance with four titles and two victories in La Liga and Copa del Rey, whilst Lionel Messi created a legendary rivalry that also saw Ronaldo claim five Ballon d’Or victories, there is no doubt – CR7 is the best Galactico Real ever had. An impressive 450 goals in 438 games will likely stand the test of time, although Mbappe will no doubt be trying to emulate his former idol and the task facing the Frenchman to get close is enormous.