Real Madrid, regarded as the most successful football club in history, has had the privilege of seeing numerous legendary players wear its iconic white kit. Over the past two decades, the club has enjoyed a golden era, winning multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
With so many great players contributing to the club’s success, it leads to an interesting question: Who are the best eleven players to have represented Real Madrid since the 2000/2001 season?
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
If no one has ever dared to say it, then I’ll be the first to do so: Thibaut Courtois is not only better but he’s also surpassed Iker Casillas as Real Madrid’s greatest-ever keeper. Along with being a more complete keeper than Casillas (excelling in aerial play, ball distribution, and reflexes), his impact on the team since signing in 2018 has been truly remarkable. Although he hasn’t played as long at the club as Casillas, his achievements as the team’s starting keeper are impressive enough to warrant a comparison:
- Champions League titles:
- Courtois 2 – 3 Casillas
- La Liga titles:
- Courtois 3 – 5 Casillas
- Copa del Rey:
- Courtois 1 – 2 Casillas
While the argument will be made that Courtois only played one game in Real Madrid’s 2023/2024 Champions League winning campaign having missed a good portion of the season due to an ACL injury, it’s important to note that Casillas wasn’t the team’s starting keeper in the club’s 9th Champions League triumph in the 2001/2002 season and only came on after an injury to César Sánchez forced him off in the Champions League final.
In addition, Courtois has been awarded the Zamora trophy (given to the keeper with the lowest goals conceded during a La Liga season) on two occasions, while Casillas only won it once (although Courtois’ first came while playing at Atletico Madrid).
Furthermore, it could be seriously argued that a large reason for the club’s success over the last few seasons has been because of Thibaut Courtois’ performances, especially in the Champions League where he was named the final’s MVP in Real Madrid’s victory over Liverpool in 2022. Regardless of fans’ current beliefs, Thibaut Courtois has already made his mark on the club and is undoubtedly one of the greatest keepers in club history.
Right-Back: Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal is undeniably one of the best right-backs of his generation. Having played a pivotal role in all of Real Madrid’s Champions League titles since 2014, he’s consistently delivered top-notch performances and proved his ability to perform at the highest level.
Carvajal honed his skills in the Real Madrid youth academy and later showcased his talent at Bayer Leverkusen during the 2012/2013 season (where he was named in BILD newspaper’s Team of the Season) before returning to the club.
His excellent defensive positioning, pace and crossing ability rank him among the best right-backs in the world. Additionally, Carvajal has a talent for stepping up in crucial matches, delivering top-notch performances, assists, and even goals when it matters most, such as in Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Furthermore, Carvajal’s six Real Madrid Champions League titles solidify his place in football history. His unwavering ability to handle pressure and shine on the grandest stages distinguishes him from his peers. There is no doubt that Carvajal’s status among Real Madrid’s all-time greats is firmly sealed.
Center-Back: Raphael Varane
He might not have garnered the same level of attention as his counterparts, yet he undeniably stood as one of the most underrated players of his generation. In contrast to the aggressive style commonly associated with center-backs, Varane’s defensive mastery lay in his remarkable anticipation and positioning, enabling him to disrupt plays without resorting to forceful tackles.
Following his arrival in 2011, Varane required more than a season to establish himself within the team. However, upon assuming the role of starting center-back, he swiftly emerged as one of the team’s most dependable and consistent players. His composed demeanor under pressure, agility, and game-reading ability allowed him to effectively neutralize some of the world’s premier attackers.
Varane boasts multiple La Liga and Champions League titles with the club and is widely esteemed as one of the world’s most disciplined defenders. His instrumental contributions to the club’s triumphs unarguably cement his status as one of the preeminent center-backs in the annals of Real Madrid’s history.
Center-Back: Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats, but encountered a challenging period following his signing in 2005. Despite initially displaying immense potential as a right-back, he faced criticism for inconsistency and frequent errors. Moreover, his optimal role within the team was a subject of uncertainty as he frequently alternated between the right-back and center-back positions.
Nevertheless, by 2012, he cemented his status as the team’s primary center-back and subsequently established himself as one of the game’s premier defenders. His physical prowess and aerial ability rendered him a formidable opponent, instilling trepidation in opposing strikers upon his inclusion in the starting lineup.
Furthermore, his propensity for scoring pivotal goals, notably during the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, significantly contributed to Real Madrid’s accomplishments. He played an indispensable role in the club’s capture of three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. His exceptional defensive skills and capacity to shine under critical circumstances firmly establish him as one of the preeminent center-backs in club history.
Left-Back: Roberto Carlos
Making a choice between two of the most outstanding left-backs in football’s history, Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, is a challenging task. However, Roberto Carlos is distinguished for his transformative impact on the full-back position. Prior to his tenure, full-backs were mainly defensive and occasionally advanced to deliver crosses. Nonetheless, upon Roberto Carlos’s arrival, the role evolved significantly, particularly after joining Real Madrid in 1996.
In addition to his exceptional defensive prowess, his speed and attacking skills made him a perpetual threat along the left flank. His potent shooting ability posed a formidable threat to goalkeepers and often put the opposition’s goal under severe pressure.
In addition to winning La Liga and two Champions League titles in the 1990s, he would help the club add more silverware in the 2000s. Real Madrid would win three more La Liga titles and another Champions League trophy in 2002, where Roberto Carlos played an important role in both goals that led to the triumph. His contributions not only brought success to the club, but also inspired a new generation of full-backs who continue to impact the modern game.
Midfielder: Casemiro
Although Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos are usually the ones recognized for their world-class skills, Casemiro played a pivotal role in the team’s midfield. Despite joining the team in 2013 and contributing to the 2014 Champions League victory, it was upon his return from a loan spell with FC Porto that he truly began to showcase his value. Assuming the position in early 2016, Casemiro was a key player in Real Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League triumphs from 2016 to 2018.
Casemiro’s presence brought balance to the team, allowing the creative players to exhibit their talents. His ability to disrupt opposition attacks, coupled with his physicality and tactical skills, made him an indispensable part of the squad. Despite not being renowned for his scoring prowess, he delivered important goals, such as in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus, where his goal propelled Real Madrid to victory.
During his tenure with the club, Casemiro secured a Copa del Rey and three La Ligas, as well as joining an exclusive list of players with five Champions League titles. Casemiro is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.
Midfielder: Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić’s journey to becoming a fan favorite at the club wasn’t easy. Initially, he faced challenges and was even labeled as the worst signing of 2012 by a local news outlet. However, everything changed during the second leg of a Round of 16 match against Manchester United at Old Trafford where he scored a crucial goal that helped Real Madrid go through.
Since then, Modrić has consistently demonstrated his value as an instrumental figure in the team’s midfield. His exceptional vision, precision in passing, and adeptness in influencing the pace of the game have significantly contributed to Real Madrid’s recent achievements.
Additionally, Modrić’s illustrious career boasts six Champions League titles and the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2018. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the oldest participant in a Champions League match with Real Madrid and is poised to become the club’s most senior player in the forthcoming campaign.
Midfielder: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane might not have achieved the same level of success as some other footballers, but it’s hard to overlook one of the greatest players of all time.
Despite having secured a World Cup victory with the French national team, he experienced near-misses in the Champions League during his tenure at Juventus (even losing a final to Real Madrid in 1998). Something which prompted his decision to join Real Madrid in 2001 for a record-breaking fee.
Zidane’s consummate elegance, exceptional skills, and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him a constant threat to opposing teams. particularly evident in the 2002 Champions League final, where Real Madrid secured victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Zidane’s iconic volley during the match culminated in the club clinching its 9th Champions League title. Irrespective of his accolades, it was an honor to witness one of the greatest footballers in history represent arguably the most prominent club in the world.
Midfielder: Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos’ arrival in 2014 was an absolute bargain, as the club was able to sign him from Bayern Munich for only €25 million. His signing added precision to Real Madrid’s midfield, as well as a sense of control.
His exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to dictate the pace of the game have been instrumental in the club’s dominance. Kroos also had one of the best long-range shots in the game, which always kept opposing goalkeepers on alert.
In addition to his on-field prowess, Kroos boasts an impressive achievement of securing six Champions League titles, one of which was attained during his tenure at Bayern Munich. Notably, he started in each one of those Champions League finals. Furthermore, his behavior on and off the field has consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism, making him a role model within the club.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
I’ll simply let the facts do the talking:
- Champions League winner in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Scored in the 2014 and 2017 Champions League finals, and took the game-winning penalty in the 2016 edition,
- Most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season: 17 goals
- Record holder for the all-time highest goal scorer in the Champions League: 140 goals
- First player to achieve 100 goals in the Champions League, as well as with a single club
- First player to break Hugo Sanchez’s record of most goals in a single La Liga season.
- Instrumental in Real Madrid’s 2011/2012 La Liga winning campaign with an astonishing 100 points
- Ballon d’Or winner in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the prestigious title of being Real Madrid’s all-time top goal scorer, achieving this milestone in just six seasons. Arguably, he is the club’s most outstanding player of the 2000s and an undisputed member of Real Madrid’s best XI of all time.
Forward: Karim Benzema
A key contributing factor to Cristiano Ronaldo’s prolific goal-scoring ability was the exceptional off-the-ball contributions of Karim Benzema, which effectively created space for him. Benzema’s remarkable technical skill, vision, and aptitude for drawing defenders not only benefited Ronaldo but also significantly impacted the performance of all of Real Madrid’s attacking players.
While predominantly recognized as a team player during that period, Benzema also showcased his goal-scoring skills at key moments, notably evidenced by his opening goal in the 2018 Champions League final.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the club in 2018, a transformation was observed in Karim Benzema’s approach as he endeavored to fill the void left by the departure of the Portuguese goal scorer. After 2018, Benzema scored 162 goals in all competitions and played a pivotal role in the club’s recent achievements.
Karim Benzema’s standout season came in the 2021/2022 campaign, during which he clinched the top scorer title in La Liga, delivered pivotal goals essential to Real Madrid’s triumph in the Champions League, and was honored with the Ballon d’Or trophy for the first time in his career. In addition, his goal-scoring prowess would see him become the second-highest goal-scorer in Real Madrid history.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s finest starting XI since 2000 showcases a harmonious combination of defensive resilience, midfield innovation, and attacking prowess. These players not only brought great success to the club, but also left an enduring imprint on the annals of football history.
Javier Martinez is a seasoned veteran of football coverage and an expert on Spanish football. He has been covering world football for more than seven years with bylines at outlets such as The 18 and The Real Champs.