Real Madrid’s Best XI Since 2000: A Dream Team of Galácticos and Legends
Real Madrid, one of the most successful and storied football clubs in history, has been home to some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Since the turn of the millennium, Los Blancos have dominated European football, winning numerous La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and other prestigious accolades. This era has been marked by the arrival of world-class talent, many of whom have become legends in their own right. Selecting the best XI from such an illustrious period is no easy task, but here’s a lineup that captures the essence of Real Madrid’s greatness since 2000.
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
When it comes to Real Madrid and goalkeeping, there’s one name that stands out above the rest: Iker Casillas. A product of the club’s famed youth academy, Casillas made his debut in 1999 and quickly established himself as one of the world’s best. Known as “San Iker” for his miraculous saves, Casillas was instrumental in Real Madrid’s three Champions League triumphs (2000, 2002, 2014) during his time at the club. His leadership, reflexes, and consistency make him an undisputed choice as the goalkeeper in this all-time XI.
Right-Back: Sergio Ramos
While Sergio Ramos is more commonly associated with the center-back position, his versatility and excellence at right-back, especially in his early years at Real Madrid, earn him a spot in this lineup. Joining the club in 2005, Ramos became a symbol of the team’s fighting spirit and winning mentality. His ability to score crucial goals, including in Champions League finals, and his defensive prowess make him an essential part of this team.
Center-Back: Fernando Hierro
Before Ramos, Fernando Hierro was the rock at the heart of Real Madrid’s defense. Known for his leadership and uncanny ability to score goals from the back, Hierro was a formidable presence in the team. His composure and reading of the game made him one of the best defenders of his generation. During his time at the club, he won three Champions League titles and five La Liga trophies, cementing his place as a Real Madrid legend.
Center-Back: Raphaël Varane
Raphaël Varane’s tenure at Real Madrid saw him evolve into one of the finest defenders in world football. With his exceptional pace, aerial ability, and calmness under pressure, Varane was a key figure in the team’s dominance in Europe, winning four Champions League titles. His partnership with Sergio Ramos was one of the best in modern football, and his contribution to the club’s success cannot be overstated.
Left-Back: Roberto Carlos
Few players have had as much impact in their position as Roberto Carlos did at left-back. Joining Real Madrid in 1996, the Brazilian was known for his blistering pace, powerful free kicks, and incredible stamina. A mainstay in the team during the early 2000s, Carlos was a part of three Champions League-winning sides and helped the club to numerous domestic titles. His attacking flair and defensive solidity make him a natural choice for this XI.
Central Midfielder: Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić’s influence on Real Madrid has been profound since his arrival in 2012. Often described as the heartbeat of the team, Modrić’s vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of the game have been pivotal to the club’s success. He played a crucial role in the team’s unprecedented run of four Champions League titles in five years (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) and even won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly. His inclusion in this XI is unquestionable.
Central Midfielder: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, one of the most graceful and skillful players ever to play the game, arrived at Real Madrid in 2001 for a then-world-record fee. Zidane’s elegance on the ball, vision, and ability to produce moments of magic made him a fan favorite. His volley in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen is one of the most iconic goals in the competition’s history. Zidane’s impact at Real Madrid, both as a player and later as a manager, solidifies his place in this all-time XI.
Attacking Midfielder: Cristiano Ronaldo
No list of Real Madrid’s greatest players is complete without Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar joined the club in 2009 and went on to become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances. Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid was marked by unparalleled success, including four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and numerous individual accolades, including four Ballon d’Or awards. His ability to score in crucial moments, combined with his incredible work ethic and athleticism, makes him one of the greatest players to ever wear the white shirt.
Right Wing: Raúl González
Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl González was the face of Real Madrid. A product of the club’s youth system, Raúl made his debut in 1994 and went on to become the club’s leading scorer until Ronaldo broke his record. Known for his intelligence, movement, and finishing, Raúl was a consistent performer in the biggest games. He won three Champions League titles with the club and is remembered as one of the greatest captains in the club’s history.
Left Wing: Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho’s impact at Real Madrid may surprise some, as he is more commonly associated with Barcelona, but his talent and influence on the game cannot be denied. His brief stint at Real Madrid in the early 2000s showcased his flair, creativity, and ability to change a game in an instant. Ronaldinho’s inclusion in this XI is a testament to his status as one of the most gifted players of his generation, whose influence extended beyond club rivalries.
Striker: Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, who joined Real Madrid in 2009, has been one of the most consistent and underrated strikers of his generation. Over the years, Benzema has evolved from a support striker for Ronaldo into the main man for Los Blancos. His intelligence, link-up play, and ability to score in a variety of ways have been crucial to Real Madrid’s success, especially in the post-Ronaldo era. Benzema’s contributions have helped Real Madrid secure multiple Champions League and La Liga titles, making him a deserving inclusion in this best XI.
Honorable Mentions
Choosing the best XI since 2000 means leaving out some truly world-class talents. Players like Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Toni Kroos, and Ronaldo Nazário, among others, have all left indelible marks on the club’s history and would be worthy of a place in any other lineup.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s best XI since 2000 is a reflection of the club’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This lineup, filled with legends, Galácticos, and modern-day heroes, showcases the incredible talent that has graced the Santiago Bernabéu over the past two decades. Each of these players has contributed to the club’s success in unique ways, and together, they form a dream team that would strike fear into any opponent. As the club continues to evolve, this era will be remembered as one of the most successful and star-studded in Real Madrid’s storied history.
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