Real Madrid have always had that extra appeal when it comes to signing stars, and the Spanish giants are expected to flex that appeal again this summer when they complete the long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo Ancelotti’s side could have a busy summer at the Santiago Bernabeu as Borussia Dortmund could be celebrating their 15th UEFA Champions League title by then at London’s Wembley Stadium.
As the term suggests, the Galacticos are Real’s “galactic” signings over the years. A transfer from another planet, often at an astronomical price, but always one of the biggest names in world football, and this is exactly what Mbappe’s expected arrival in Madrid will do. The French superstar is expected to join the list of most successful Galacticos, but there is some rude competition for that title as he has a long way to go to equal, let alone surpass, the many top players and top players who have joined before him.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 and rank them.
Honorable Mention: Kaka of Milan ($72 million) (2009)
The Brazilian was often forgotten as part of Real Galacticos as he found it difficult to match his sublime Milan form wherever he went thereafter. However, his 2007 Ballon d’Or was a good result and reflected what he was like at the time. He is arguably the best player on the planet. It was a no-brainer for Los Merengues as it was exactly what Florentino Perez wanted to hear. Although it didn’t go as planned.
10. Jude Bellingham of Dortmund ($144 million) (2023)
Considering this is his debut season at Real, he could quickly rise up the ranks if he adds a UCL title to his La Liga crown. The England international has enjoyed his best performance since joining from Dortmund and is expected to feature at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. He and Mbappe together could form a new star at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he will move ahead of the France captain if Real beat his former employers in London. The prospect of Mbappe joining Bellingham and Vinnie Jr. in white next season is a tantalizing one for any football fan.
9. Gareth Bale of Spurs ($109 million) (2013)
For a then world-record fee, the former Wales international was one of the biggest transfers Perez has made in years. Real fans may not consider him a true club legend, but his acquisition helped secure four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018. It’s incredible considering his regular injuries and disinterest in football towards the end of his career, and certainly the time he spent in Madrid making it painfully clear that the Wales national team was a bigger priority for him. But a few unforgettable moments made him a staple on this list.
8. Ronaldo of Inter Milan ($50 million, 2002)
The “original” Ronaldo would eventually surpass Cristiano Ronaldo, but for a while Real had one of the best players in his class. It’s a shame that the Brazilian legend’s return for his then-world record transfer fee (notice the theme?) was actually quite low. Despite playing alongside greats such as Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, Ronaldo’s main success at Madrid was winning the 2003 La Liga title and his impressive goal-scoring record despite a host of devastating injuries during his four years there.
7th: United’s David Beckham ($40.5 million) (2003)
A year later, some of football’s brightest superstars joined Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu, but only achieved slightly greater success in the famous white shirt. The English legend and international fashion icon was a high-profile player who attracted attention from all quarters, but it was near the end of his time in Spain before joining Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy that Real began to see the best of Beckham. It was around that time. Like Ronaldo, winning La Liga wasn’t what he had hoped for when he moved from Manchester.
6. Luis Figo of Barça ($65 million) (2000)
One of his all-time coups against bitter rivals Barcelona was when he pinched the Catalan giants’ star man Luis Figo and then won La Liga and the UCL twice against this year’s Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. Barca fans despise him to this day, but few moments are more memorable than the infamous pig’s head when he first faced Barca after their most passionate split. Figo later left for Inter, but went down as one of the best signings of the true Galactico era. It’s not a modern version where all transfers are blown out of proportion.
5. Tottenham’s Luka Modric ($34.5 million) (2012)
In terms of value for money, it’s hard to top the ever-green Croatia international on this list, considering he has a huge amount of silverware to his name. As many as five Champions League titles could make it six, followed by four La Liga and two Copa del Rey. The 2018 Ballon d’Or adds to his legend and he will leave Madrid as a true Galactico who, regardless of Mbappe, will not be seen again for some time.
4. Karim Benzema of Lyon ($38 million) (2009)
Some of Perez’s smartest money was to move the French prodigy from Olympique Lyonnais, but it didn’t always seem likely that it would pay off. It took a few years, but Benzema eventually lived up to expectations and won five UCL titles, including four La Liga and three Copa del Rey. A Ballon d’Or player at his peak who enjoyed his deserved time in the sun as a leading man for Real, Benzema must go down as one of the great players.
3rd place: Zinedine Zidane of Juve ($84 million) (2001)
The French superstar’s departure is arguably the most relevant benchmark to look at before Mbappe arrives in Madrid. One of the biggest names to come out on top following his Ballon d’Or success, Zidane not only led Real to 2002 UCL success by scoring one of the greatest goals of all time, but he also took on the role of coach. The team achieved great success. In particular, they won the Champions League three times in a row from 2016 to 2018.
2nd place: Sergio Ramos of Seville ($29 million) (2005)
16 years of experience in the association (mostly as captain) makes Sergio Ramos an essential addition to this list, despite his relatively cheap price. Four UCLs, five La Ligas, two Copa del Reys and major international successes at the Santigao Bernabeu ensure that Ramos is a truly legendary figure for Merengues fans, a man who saw Madrid’s highs and lows but was always an indispensable figure to all. It means something. A real boss of this era.
No. 1: United’s Cristiano Ronaldo ($102 million) (2009)
But surprisingly, Real’s undisputed best Galactico is a Portuguese superstar. One of the best transfers in football history, let alone Real’s, and an example of why the best players are paid big money. They dominated the Champions League with four titles, two La Liga and Copa del Rey wins, and Lionel Messi created a legendary rivalry that saw Ronaldo win the Ballon d’Or five times. There is no doubt about it. CR7 is the best Galactico Real. There was an enemy. A staggering 450 goals in 438 games looks like it will stand the test of time. Of course, Mbappe will try to emulate his former idol and it will be a Herculean task for the Frenchman to even come close.
