The 20 greatest players in Real Madrid’s Champions League history

With 15 trophies, Real Madrid is synonymous with greatness in the Champions League. This impressive list of achievements is the result of the legendary performances of its players, who have left their mark on the history of the competition. Here is a ranking of the 20 iconic figures who have taken the Madrid club to the top of European football.

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1. Cristiano Ronaldo

The undisputed king of the Champions League, with 105 goals in 101 games for Real Madrid. His exploits, like his decisive hat-tricks in 2016 and 2017, have led the club to four European titles. Ronaldo is the symbol of Madrid’s excellence in this competition.

2. Alfredo Di Stéfano

The architect of Real Madrid’s glorious beginnings. Between 1956 and 1960, he led the team to five consecutive titles, scoring in each of the finals. Nicknamed La Saeta Rubia (The Blonde Arrow), he laid the foundations of Real Madrid’s European legacy.

3. Sergio Ramos

An iconic captain, Ramos is the man of the great finals. His equalizer in 2014 against Atlético gave the club the Decima (10th title). With three Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017), he embodied leadership and combativeness.

4. Raúl González

Lord Real Madrid . The club’s all-time top scorer before Ronaldo, Raul won three titles (1998, 2000, 2002) and symbolized consistency and leadership for more than a decade.

5. Karim Benzema

A pillar of the attack after Ronaldo’s departure, Benzema made history with 15 goals in the victorious 2021-22 campaign. His hat-trick against Chelsea will live long in the memory.

6. Luka Modrić

The Croatian maestro was the heart of Madrid’s midfield, orchestrating victories in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. His tactical intelligence and vision made him a living legend.

7. Marcelo

One of the best left-backs in football history, Marcelo played a key role in the four consecutive titles of the 2010s. His creativity and attacking flair are unforgettable.

8. Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian wall. His nine saves in the final against Liverpool in 2022 were crucial for Real’s 14th title. Since his arrival, he has been an indispensable part of the Madrid defense.

9. Casemiro

The perfect balance between defence and attack, Casemiro was a silent but decisive force in Real Madrid’s success from 2014 to 2018.

10. Vinícius Júnior

At just 24, he is already a Champions League hero. Having scored the decisive goals in the 2022 and 2024 finals, Vini has proven that he is the future of Madrid’s attack.

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Other legends:

11. Zinedine Zidane – Sa volée en 2002 est l’un des plus grands moments de l’histoire.
12. Gareth Bale – Son doublé en finale 2018 face à Liverpool reste mémorable.
13. Toni Kroos – A must-have in midfield, with surgical precision.
14. Iker Casillas – Gardien légendaire, capitaine lors de la Decima.
15. Fernando Hierro – Solide défenseur des années 90, pilier défensif.
16. Hugo Sánchez – L’attaquant mexicain a brillé dans les années 80.
17. Roberto Carlos – Son énergie et ses frappes puissantes ont marqué son époque.
18. Paco Gento – Seul joueur avec six titres de Ligue des champions, une légende des débuts.
19. Manuel Sanchís – Captain of the 1998 and 2000 victories.
20. Ricardo Zamora – Gardien historique, héros des premières années.

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The future assured with the new generation

With talents like Vinícius Júnior, Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler, Real Madrid are ready to write new glorious pages in the history of the Champions League.

Rang	Nom des joueurs	Nombre de Ligue des champions remportées
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	4
2	Alfredo Di Stéfano	5
3	Sergio Ramos	4
4	Raúl González	3
5	Karim Benzema	5
6	Paco Gento	6
7	Luka Modrić	6
8	Thibaut Courtois	2
9	Iker Casillas	3
10	Vinícius Jr	2
11	Roberto Carlos	3
12	Toni Kroos	5
13	Marcelo	5
14	Zinedine Zidane	1
15	Gareth Bale	5
16	Ferenc Puskás	3
17	Casemiro	5
18	Manolo Sanchís	2
19	Hugo Sánchez	0
20	Isco Alarcón	4