Real Madrid: Fabio Coentrao and the 10 Biggest Signings in Madrid History

Fabio Coentrao becomes the latest addition to Real Madrid. Costing the club £30 Million plus Ezequiel Garay, Coentrao adds depth to the already thin left back position.

It became clear following the player’s impressive performance at World Cup 2010 that a big move was on the horizon. Many maybe thought that move would come 12 months earlier than it did, their player still performed well in his last year at Benfica.

A player who can play in midfield as well as left-back, he will add a level of defensive discipline often lacking in the adventurous Marcelo.

The player started his first game for Madrid in last night’s Spanish Super Cup second leg and was largely disappointing against the flying Pedro of Barcelona.

A bedding in period is maybe needed in La Liga, but then again he was playing against the European Champions.

Although I see Coentrao having a successful time at Madrid, the fee that he was paid for his transfer seems excessive. We will see if he reaches the heights of former great left backs.

Raul Gonzalez

Although not seen as a “signing” in the typical sense of the word, Raul moved across the city from Atletico when their youth academy was closed down on orders of Jesus Gil.

Often rued by Atletico fans as the one that got away, Raul got his league debut for Real Zaragoza at the age of 17. Following the departure of Fernando Hierro, he became the club captain and led them to two league titles.

Raul left the club in 2010 for Schalke, recording 323 goals in all competitions.

Roberto Carlos

The Brazilian left back moved to Real Madrid in 1996 from Inter Milan when then manager, Roy Hodgson, preferred to play him in a more advanced left-sided role.

His 11 seasons at Madrid meant he set a record for most league appearances by a non-Spanish born player.

Winning four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies, he famously set up Zinedine Zidane’s volley to win Madrid the 2002 Champions League.

Zinedine Zidane

Arguably the greatest player of his generation, the Frenchman arrived in Madrid from Juventus with a hefty price tag—£47 million. A world record at the time.

The France international became one of President Florentino Perez’s original “Galacticos," playing often just behind the striker and dictating play.

He secured Madrid the 2002 Champions League with a famous volley and one of the greatest goals of all time.

He retired from football following the 2006 World Cup in controversial fashion.

Although, the name Zidane will always be used as a benchmark for future French footballers to aspire, it’s unlikely anyone will reach the dizzying heights so successfully set by the great man.

Ferenc Puskas

The Hungarian joined Real Madrid at the age of 31 to reignite his career following a two-year Uefa ban.

Alongside Alfedo Di Stefano, Puskas formed a deadly strike partnership. The player scored four hat tricks in his first season at the club and was instrumental in helping Madrid win three European Cups.

The highlight of Puskas’ career at Madrid was the 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the European Cup final, in which he scored four goals.

Fernando Hierro

At ease at both the central defence and holding midfield, Fernando Hierro, club captain for much of his time at the club, helped the club to five league titles and three Champions League trophies.

Often praised for his leadership qualities, Hierro was moved on from the club following almost 500 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo

While the Portuguese flyer is still making a name for himself at Madrid, the world’s most expensive signing at £80 million was brought in as a way of saying to Barcelona we have our own greatest player in the world.

Last season was a phenomenal battle to watch, in which Lionel Messi and Ronaldo fought until the last game of the season for the Pichichi. Ronaldo won a trophy scoring 51 goals, with a late flurry of 11 goals in four games.

The former World Player of the Year is taking great strides to earn himself a place alongside other legends of Madrid. His ability to be the game winner on so many occasions as well as merchandise sales will do a lot to help fund the most expensive acquisition in world football.

So far only winning the Copa Del Rey, Ronaldo has many years left to bring Florentino Perez and the La Liga and Champions League trophy as the poster boy of the “Galacticos” MKII.

David Beckham

Considered a real ambassador for English football, Beckham moved to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2003 for a reported £25 million. It appeared that before his move to Madrid he was all set to sign for Barcelona as Manchester United reported a deal had been reached. The player, however, was persuaded to join up with Perez’s “Galacticos."

As club captain at the time. Raul was assigned the No. 7 shirt. Beckham opted for the No. 23, explaining it as a tribute to Michael Jordan.

Beckham only won one League title at Madrid, but his contribution and his readiness to learn the language and culture of Spain warmed him to fans and the media.

Alfredo Di Stefano

24 hours removed from pulling on the shirt of Barcelona, Di Stefano signed for Real Madrid, a move that has always been laden with controversy. It's unclear what the exact agreement was which allowed the Argentine to move to Real Madrid following talks with the Catalans.

He was part of arguably the greatest Real Madrid team in its history, winning eight league titles and five back to back European titles.

Ronaldo

The only resemblance he holds with his namesake is that for one season their shirts were identical; name and number.

Another former World Player of the Year, Ronaldo arrived back in Spain—previously having played with Barcelona—from Inter Milan. Fans were so obsessed with their new signing that his shirt sales broke all records on his first day at the club.

One of the greatest goalscorers of all time, Ronaldo scored a sensational hat trick away to Manchester United in the Champions League. So great was his performance that he was clapped off by the home supporters.

Ronaldo is arguably the best player to never win the Champions League.

Luis Figo

Possibly the most controversial of all Real Madrid’s signings. The player moved from rivals Barcelona in 2000 for a then record fee of £37 million.

The player, who was idolized in Barcelona, was treated to much abuse when he eventually returned to the Nou Camp with Madrid. The Barca fans felt betrayed by someone they adored and to show their dissatisfaction, they threw everything including a pig’s head at the player upon his return.

His signing should not be completely shrouded in controversy, as he did have a very successful spell at Madrid. The player lifted the La Liga title twice and was part of the 2002 Champions League winning squad.