Real Madrid is a Spanish club that actually plays in the Spanish La Liga Santander and have never been relegated from that competition since the history of the club. Real Madrid undoubtedly one of the best clubs in Spain and in the World looking at the outstanding number of trophies that the club have won so far.
It is quite not an easy task to find another club that can compete with the honors of the Los Blancos, selected by the FIFA, Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of Europe and the most successful club in the twentieth century.
Real Madrid being a great club, they have always had world class defenders whose roles have been vital for every single victory for the club and this article, you will discover the Greatest Real Madrid Defenders of All Time.
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Who is the best defender in Real Madrid ever?
Greatest Real Madrid Defenders of All Time
So let us get down and see some of the defenders that marked the club with their great performance and intelligence at the back.
Michel Salgado
Of full name Miguel Angel Salgado Fernandez, he was born in Spain and he played as a Right back for Real Madrid at a given point in his career.
In his position, he can probably be referred to as the best right back in he history of the club and he made a total of 371 appearances during his ten years at Real Madrid and of course his name on the lust when we talk about the Best Real Madrid defenders of all time.
Michel Salgado was popularly known for his style of play, excellent tackling abilities on the ball and as well his winning character. He was full of energy on the pitch and in most of his games, he dominated and owned the right side of the pitch both upfront and back at the defense.
The defender played a great role in the achievements of the club during his years at the club, and this achievements include; 4 Spanish League trophies,3 Champions League, 3 Spanish Super Cups and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
Manolo Sanchis
Manuel Sanchis Hontiyuelo was born on 23rd May 1965 in Madrid Spain and he payed for his city club Real Madrid during his career. In the history of Real Madrid, Manolo Rachis stands as one of the most iconic players for representing the club for as long as 18 years. Manolo Sanchis features as one of the five players who have spent all of their career at Real Madrid.
Manolo was a product of the Real Madrid youth academy and he made his first debut for the club in the year 1983 at the age of 18 years and after 6 years of him showing great skills at the back, he was finally given playing time for the first team and he established himself as a first choice defender.
The legendary player during his 18 years of career, he played 655 official games for Real Madrid and went ahead to establishe his name in the history book of the club as a great centre back looking at the numerous trophies that he won. He won as many as 8 la Liga trophies, 2 Champions League, 2 Copa del Reys, 5 Spanish Super Cups , 2 UEFA Cups and a single intercontinental cup.
Marcelo Vieira
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior was born on the 12th May 1998 at Rio de Janeiro Brazil and still actively plays for the Los Blancos.
Marcelo plays as a left back for Real Madrid and showed great skills on the pitch which has helped the club win numerous trophies. The Brazilian international joined Real Madrid in the year 2007 and since then he has been playing for the Los Blancos.
For the past 14 years, the Brazilian has showed great qualities such as his skills on the ball even though he plays as defender. Marcelo since his arrival at the club, he has already made more than 520 appearances for Real Madrid and has so far made as many as 99 assists and scored 38 goals.
Marcelo's great skills both at the back and upfront has contributed to Real Madrid winning trophies in the recent years and these trophies include; 5 la Liga titles, 4 Champions League, 2 Copa del Reys, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 4 FIFA Club's World Cupas well as 3 UEFA Super Cup.
Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha was born on 10th April 1973 in Garca Brazil and played as left back in Real Madrid during his career. In the history of the game of football, Roberto Carlos is referred to as one the best in that position.
The Brazilian's left foot was vital for the Spanish giants as they achieved more that 10 trophies during his years at the club and as such is surely one of the best defenders in the history of Real Madrid. Roberto Carlos was a great runner and was able to run 100 metters in 10.9 and had a poerful shots that could reach 140km/h.
Roberto Carlos came to Real Madrid from Inter Milan and played for the Los Blancos for 11 years, making 527 appearnces providing 88 assists and scoring 70 goals.
His great skills at the back played a great role in the club winning 3 Champions League, 4 la Liga titles, 3 Spanish Super Cups, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 2 Intercontinental cups.
Also, Roberto Carlos has a special place in the midst of Madrid fans as he is the foreign player with the most number of appearances for Real Madrid.
Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos Garcia was born on 30th March 1986 in Camas Spain and he played as a centre back for Real Madrid for 16 years.
Sergio Ramos is regarded by many as the Best Real Madrid defender of all time and he has also captianed for a long period of time. Sergio Ramos is a defender with excellent heading ability and brilliant defensive skills.
Sergio Ramos shows great bravery and qualities of a good captain that every player will love to have both and off the pitch. Ramos durong his 16 years of career at Real Madrid, he made a total of 666 appearances and scored 100 goals many of which have been very decisive goals.
Sergio Ramos skills, intelligence and fighting spirit at the back of Real Madrid has contributed the glory of the club for many years. Trohies that Real Madrid won during the era of Sergio Ramos include; 5 la Liga titles,4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 Copa del Reys, 4 FIFA Clubs World Cups, 4 Champions League and 3 UEFA Super Cups.
Pepe
Often considered one of the best defenders in the world with partner in crime Sergio Ramos, the Portuguese defender Pepe helped Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, three league titles, and two Copa del Rey. He’s also participated in four World Cups, winning Man of the Match for helping his side win its first major international trophy with a European Championship in 2016.
Jose Antonio Camacho
Jose Antonio Camacho, a Spanish left-back, was a vital part of Real Madrid's success in the 1980s. He played for the club from 1973 to 1989 and won multiple domestic and international titles, including nine La Liga titles and three UEFA Cups. Camacho was known for his defensive discipline, work rate, and ability to nullify opponents on the left flank.
Raphaël Varane
The French defender earned 16 trophies — four of them Champions League silverware — during his ten-year spell with the club. The ever-dependable World Cup-winning center-back played a vital role in Zinedine Zidane's side.
Due to the financial crunch caused by Covid-19, Los Blancos sold Varane to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 for $50 million. Despite leaving Real Madrid, Varane's legacy at the club is assured. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and will always be remembered by the Madrid faithful.
Final Thoughts On Best Real Madrid Defenders Of All Time
These ten defenders have left a lasting impact on Real Madrid's history, contributing to the club's success with their defensive prowess, leadership qualities, and overall excellence. Their achievements and contributions to the game make them some of the best defenders to have graced the field in a Real Madrid shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best defender in Real Madrid ever?
Sergio Ramos who succeeded Iker Casillas as Real Madrid captain in 2015, helping guide Los Blancos to four Champions League victories. He spent most of his career with the Spanish giants and is widely considered by many as the best ever Real Madrid defender.
Who is the best centre back for Real Madrid history?
Sergio Ramos who succeeded Iker Casillas as Real Madrid captain in 2015, helping guide Los Blancos to four Champions League victories. He spent most of his career with the Spanish giants and is widely considered by many as the best ever Real Madrid defender.
Who is Real Madrid's greatest player of all time?
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded by many as Real Madrid's greatest player of all time