In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Alfredo Di Stéfano, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl González.
Choosing the 10 greatest Real Madrid players of all time means entering the club’s oldest debate: Di Stéfano or Cristiano? We weighed trophies, goals, leadership and what each meant to the club.
Where are Hierro, Roberto Carlos, Butragueño, Hugo Sánchez or Kroos? Vote for your number 1 below or tell us who is missing.
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1. Alfredo Di Stéfano
1953–1964 · Forward
The player who turned Real Madrid into a legend: he won the first five European Cups in a row and scored in every one of those finals. He defended, organised and finished: a complete footballer ahead of his time.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
2009–2018 · Forward
The club's all-time top scorer with 450 goals, four Champions League titles and four Ballon d'Or awards in white. Nine seasons of numbers that look impossible.
3. Raúl González
1994–2010 · Forward
He debuted at 17 and became the symbol of Real Madrid for more than a decade. He won three European Cups and was captain and role model for a whole generation.
4. Francisco Gento
1953–1971 · Winger
The 'Gale of the Cantabrian Sea' won six European Cups, a record that took almost sixty years to be matched. His pace down the left wing was unstoppable.
5. Zinedine Zidane
2001–2006 · Midfielder
Pure elegance and scorer of the Glasgow volley that brought the ninth European Cup. Later, as coach, he won three Champions League titles in a row.
6. Luka Modrić
2012–2025 · Midfielder
Ballon d'Or winner in 2018 and six-time European champion with the club. His vision and longevity make him one of the greatest midfielders in history.
7. Sergio Ramos
2005–2021 · Defender
Goalscoring captain and defender, scorer of the 93rd-minute header in the 2014 Lisbon final that opened the way to 'La Décima'. He won four Champions League titles.
8. Iker Casillas
1999–2015 · Goalkeeper
Academy graduate, captain and one of the greatest goalkeepers ever. His decisive saves, as in the 2002 Glasgow final, are part of the club's memory.
9. Ferenc Puskás
1958–1966 · Forward
He arrived at Madrid aged 31 and still became a goal machine. He scored four in the 1960 European Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
10. Karim Benzema
2009–2023 · Forward
For years he played so others could shine, and he ended up as the leader: Ballon d'Or winner in 2022 after a season of decisive Champions League goals.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the greatest Real Madrid player of all time?
The debate is between Alfredo Di Stéfano and Cristiano Ronaldo. In our ranking Di Stéfano wins, for building the club's legend with the first five European Cups.
Who is Real Madrid's all-time top scorer?
Cristiano Ronaldo, with 450 official goals between 2009 and 2018.
Which players have won the most European Cups with Real Madrid?
Francisco Gento won six, a record matched in 2024 by Modrić, Kroos, Carvajal and Nacho.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.