Who are the top best Real Madrid defenders of all time? While Real Madrid football club may be the most successful team in Europe, it is also known to be one of the most compacted – especially at the back. Defenders are also key to the club’s success and if you’re looking for the best of these goal protectors, then you’re on the right page.
10. Jacinto Quincoces
The first on the list of top best Real Madrid defenders of all time is Jacinto Quincoces. Though this best defender was not aggressive as ought to be, he was tactical and really good at reading games. He was particularly famous during the inter-war era (1931-1942) and was one of Madrid’s greatest of all time.
9. Miguel Porlán Noguera
Miguel Porlán Noguera had many qualities one would demand from a defender – strength, wit, aggressiveness, and technicality. The retired Whites defender has won several trophies with the Blancos including 5 Supercopa de Espana, 2 UEFA European super cup, and 7 La Liga trophies.
8. Miguel Salgado Fernández
Miguel Salgado Fernández was a hard core solid defender. The former Real Madrid Right-Back was one of the best defenders during his time. The aggressive wing-back joined the Blancos in 1999 and has won 3 Supercopa de Espana, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 4 La Liga crowns, 2 Champions League, and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
7. Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior is one of the top best Real Madrid defenders of all times. To be honest, Marcelo Viera was one of the very few extremely talented Left-Back. His timing skill, overlapping awareness, defensive instinct, and technical knowledge of the game was exceptional. The former Madrid aceman formed a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos – and during that time, Madrid defence was difficult to penetrate. Marcelo Viera has won several trophies with the Blancos including 4 Champions League, 5 La Liga crowns, and 4 FIFA Club World Cup.
6. Jose Santamaria
Jose Santamaria is one of Madrid’s greatest defenders of all times. The retired professional Uruguayan defender has won 2 La Liga titles, 5 European Cup, 1 Copa Del Rey, and 1 Intercontinental Cup.
5. Manuel Sanchis Hontiyuelo
Manuel Sanchis Hontiyuelo is one of Real Madrid’s best centre-backs. The former Los Blancos defender started from the club’s Academy before breaking into first team football. Since then, he has won 9 La Liga trophies, 2 UEFA Cup, 2 Copa del Rey titles, 3 UEFA European Champions League, 1 Copa De La Liga, 1 Intercontinental Cup, and 6 Supercopa de Espana.
4. Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos was a class of a defender. The retired Real Madrid defender joined the club in 1996 and won 4 La Liga crowns, 3 Supercopa de Espana, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 intercontinental cup, and 5 UEFA Champions League trophies. The talented Brazilian defender left Madrid in 2007 and is currently into football management.
3. Jose Antonio Camacho
Jose Antonio Camacho is a retired Spanish defender. The former Madrid ace has won several trophies with Los Blancos including 10 La Liga Crowns, 7 Copa Del Rey, and 2 Supercopa de Espana.
2. Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro is a retired professional Spanish defender. Having Joined Real Madrid in 1989, the centre back has won several trophies with the club including 6 La Liga crowns, 4 Supercopa de Espana, 1 Copa Iberoamericana, and 2 Copa del Rey. His pace, agility, timely interceptions, and wit has earned him a spot among Europe’s best defenders.
1. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is arguably the top best Real Madrid defender of all time. The retired Spanish professional Centre-Back is a world-class defender – known for his aggressive style of defending. Ramos has won 4 UEFA Champions League, 5 La Liga crowns, 4 FIFA Club World Cups, 4 Supercopa de Espana, and 2 Copa Del Rey among a host of others. One good quality that set Ramos apart from the rest of the defenders on the list was his ability to score game-changing goals. He benefited a lot from corners and set-piece situations – pounding in goals given his aerial strength. However, Ramos was known for being red carded most of the matches – but he only does such in goal-bound situations. For the record, the former Real Madrid defender has accumulated a high 21 red cards followed by 171 yellow cards – more than any other Real Madrid defender in history. The veteran centre-back also holds a record in the Champions League – 4 red cards, and 40 yellow cards – the most for yellow cards and joint most for that of Red. He has even extended the courtesy to his national team; accumulating 24 yellow cards – a clear winner here! Nevertheless, Ramos remains one of (if not) the best defender(s) in European football. He is currently playing for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) of France alongside Lionel Messi.
Conclusion
That was all on the top 10 best Real Madrid defenders of all time. Do you agree with the list?