Real Madrid once again stand at the pinnacle of European football, having claimed the Champions League title for the 15th time after a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are favourites to retain the title according to the Champions League odds and will take some beating after the signing of Kylian Mbappe was confirmed earlier this summer.
Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive second goal, a moment that not only clinched the trophy but also solidified his status as a burgeoning legend in the club’s illustrious history.
This was not the first time the 24-year-old stepped up on the biggest stage; his previous winning goal against Liverpool in 2022 marked the beginning of his ascent. Now, as he looks to be the newest recipient of the Ballon d’Or, questions arise: how does he measure up against the legendary figures who have donned the famous white jersey in the Champions League?
Here, we look at some of the best Madrid players in Champions League history and assess their biggest performances in Europe.
Raúl
With 71 Champions League goals across a 16-year career at Real Madrid, Raúl is one of the club’s all-time greats.
The Spaniard featured over 500 times for Los Blancos. He was the heartbeat of the side during his tenure, leading Madrid to three Champions League titles.
During the peak of his powers, his finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders and a cherished figure among fans, slowly adapting his game before moving to Schalke in 2010, where he would play for another two seasons at the highest level.
Cristiano Ronaldo
No discussion of Real Madrid’s Champions League legacy is complete without mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo.
The top scorer in Champions League history, he won four titles with Madrid, including an extraordinary three consecutive victories from 2016 to 2018.
His record-breaking performance in the 2014 La Decima campaign, where he scored 16 goals and assists in just 12 matches, exemplified his importance to the team.
Ronaldo’s ability to shine on the grandest stages has set a standard that few can hope to match and proved a bargain the modern market when he was sold for more than the £89 million Madrid paid for him 2009.
Sergio Ramos
The captain and cornerstone of one of the best Madrid teams in history, Sergio Ramos combined leadership skills with modern defending, transitioning from a marauding right-back to one of the best central defenders in the world.
The Spaniard was instrumental in guiding the team through numerous Champions League campaigns, mastering the art of the dark arts while also contributing vital goals, most notably his dramatic equaliser in the 2014 final against Atlético Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s impact on the Champions League is immortalised by his stunning volley in the 2002 final, a goal that secured Madrid’s ninth title.
As a key player during the Galácticos era, which included stars like Luis Figo, David Beckham, and Ronaldo Fenómeno, Zidane showcased his exceptional skill and vision.
Some say the Frenchman arrived at Madrid too late, having stunned fans for Bordeaux and Juventus before making a world-record move in 2001 aged 29, but even in the twilight of his career, the powerful midfielder remains a legend for the club to this day for his five years in the Spanish capital.
Gareth Bale
Welsh legend Gareth Bale was another player who thrived in the Champions League spotlight, scoring decisive goals in both the 2014 and 2018 finals.
His bicycle kick from Marcelo’s cross in Kiev against Liverpool quite rightly regarded as the greatest goal to ever be scored in a Champions League final – managing to upstage Zidane’s volley in Scotland.
His remarkable pace and ability to strike from distance helped Madrid clinch five Champions League titles during his time at the club.
Although his nine-year stretch was hampered by injuries and inconsistent stints, he earnt the respect of the fans upon his departure, hanging up the boots just after the 2022 World Cup.
