Ranking of 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 as they complete the long-term signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo Ancelotti’s side could also be celebrating a 15th UEFA Champions League title by then, 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 right in line with the expected arrival of Mbappé to Madrid. The French superstar is expected to join the list of most successful Galacticos, but there is fierce competition for that title. A number of top players have come before him and there is still a long way to go to match, let alone surpass, some of the best.

We look at the top 10 and rank them:

Honorable mention: Milan’s Kaka for $72 million (2009)

The Brazilian is often forgotten as part of the Real Galacticos as he found it difficult to replicate his sublime Milanese form wherever he went next, but his 2007 Ballon d’Or was well deserved and it was clear that at the time he was too. perhaps the best player in the world. Just what Florentino Perez likes to hear, so this one was a no-brainer for Los Merengues – even if it didn’t go quite as planned.

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

Our first entry, as this is only his debut season with Real, he could quickly rise up the rankings if he adds a UCL title to his La Liga crown. The England international has been fantastic since joining from Dortmund and is also expected to feature at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. Although he and Mbappe could form the new star tandem at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will have an edge over the France captain – should Real beat their former employers in London. The prospect of Mbappé wearing white with Bellingham and Vini Jr. next season. comes is tempting for any football fan.

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

The former Wales international was a world record transfer fee at the time and was one of Perez’s biggest splashes over the years. True fans may not consider him a true club legend, but his signing did help secure four Champions League wins between 2014 and 2018. It’s incredible when you consider his frequent injuries and indifference to football. the end of his career, and certainly his time in Madrid, when he made it painfully clear that the Welsh national team was more of a priority for him. However, some unforgettable moments make him an essential presence on this list.

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

The ‘original’ Ronaldo would eventually be surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo, but for a time Real had one of the best players ever in their ranks. It’s a shame, then, that the Brazilian legend’s return on his then world record fee (note the theme?) was actually 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 along the way during his four years there.

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

A year later, perhaps football’s most galactic superstar joined Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu, but enjoyed only marginally greater success in the famous white jersey. The England 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 club Los Angeles Galaxy that Real started to get the best of Beckham to see. Like Ronaldo, a La Liga title wasn’t quite what was expected upon his arrival from Manchester.

6: Barça’s Luis Figo for $65 million (2000)

One of the biggest successes ever over bitter rivals Barcelona was poaching star player Luis Figo from the Catalan giants before going on to win La Liga twice and the UCL in 2002 against this year’s Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Barca fans despise him to this day, but few moments remain better remembered than the infamous pig’s face when he made his first appearance against Barca after crossing the most passionate lines. Figo later left for Inter, but goes down as one of their best signings from the real Galactico era – not the modern version where all transfers have been blown out of 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 considering the sheer amount of silverware to his name. As many as five Champions League titles could become six and then there are four La Liga crowns and two Copa del Rey, to name just a few. A Ballon d’Or in 2018 adds to his legend and he will leave Madrid as a true Galactico whose likes may not be seen again for a while – regardless of Mbappé.

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

One of the smartest sums Perez ever spent was on the transfer of the French prodigy from Olympique Lyonnais, but it didn’t always look like it would work. It took years, but Benzema eventually lived up to his expectations and won five UCL titles, including four La Liga and three Copa del Rey. A Ballon d’Or at his absolute peak, while enjoying a deserved spell in the sun as Real’s main man, Benzema must go down in history as one of the greats.

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

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

2: Sergio Ramos from Seville for $29 million (2005)

A 16-year-old club, many of whom serve as captain, makes Sergio Ramos an essential addition to this list despite the relatively low price tag. Four UCLs, five La Ligas, two Copa del Reys and major international success at the Santigao Bernabeu means that Ramos will go down in history as a truly legendary figure for Merengues fans and someone who saw the highs and lows in Madrid, but always an indispensable figure Real Bosses was for everyone these days.

1: United’s Cristiano Ronaldo for $102 million (2009)

However, it will come as little or no surprise that Real’s undisputed top Galactico is the Portuguese superstar. One of the all-time best transfers in football history – let alone from Real – and it’s an example of why the top players cost the big money. Dominating the Champions League with four titles and two La Liga and Copa del Rey victories at the same time that Lionel Messi created a legendary rivalry that saw Ronaldo also claim five Ballon d’Or victories, there’s no doubt about it: CR7 is the best Galactico Real ever had. A whopping 450 goals from 438 games will likely stand the test of time, although Mbappe will undoubtedly try to emulate his former idol and the task facing the Frenchman to even come close is enormous.