Real Madrid have built a reputation for themselves as one of European football’s biggest spenders over the years. By splashing on top talents, they have managed to field some of the world’s greatest players at the Bernabeu.
While some of these signings may have failed to live up to their hefty price tags, others made significant contributions to the Real’s unrivaled domestic and continental success.
Soccernet.football takes a look at the top 10 most expensive signings in Real Madrid’s history.
10. Luis Figo – €60 million (2000)
Figo’s controversial transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 was a seismic event in football. The Portuguese winger’s move was a statement of intent from Los Blancos and he went on to play a key role for them as they dominated the early 2000s.
9. Luka Jović – €60 million (2019)
Jović’s move from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 was met with high expectations. However, the Serbian striker struggled to find his form at Real Madrid and has since moved to Italy where he has donned the colours of Fiorentina and AC Milan respectively.
8. Kaká – €67 million (2009)
Kaká’s transfer from AC Milan in 2009 was another marquee signing for Real Madrid. However, the immensely talented Brazilian was only able to show glimpses of his brilliance as injuries and form issues limited his impact at the Spanish capital.
7. Zinedine Zidane – €77.5 million (2001)
Zidane’s arrival from Juventus in 2001 was a landmark signing for Los Blancos. The French playmaker went on to become an icon at Madrid, widely remembered for his elegance, vision, and that unforgettable volley that secured the 2002 Champions League title.
6. James Rodríguez – €75 million (2014)
Rodríguez joined Real Madrid from AS Monaco in 2014 after a stellar World Cup campaign with Colombia. Despite a strong start to his Santiago Bernabeu career, his form fluctuated too often and he failed to fulfill his potential at the Spanish capital before eventually moving to Everton in 2020.
5. Aurélien Tchouaméni – €80 million (2022)
The Frenchman’s move from AS Monaco in 2022 made him one of the most expensive signings in Real Madrid’s history. He’s seen as a long-term replacement for Casemiro and has already shown immense potential.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo – €94 million (2009)
Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United in 2009 was a game-changer even for a club as iconic as Real Madrid. The Portuguese went on to become Los Blancos’ all-time leading scorer while winning numerous titles, including four Champions League trophies.
3. Gareth Bale – €101 million (2013)
Bale’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 was a record-breaker at the time. The Welshman played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success, including memorable Champions League performances.
2. Jude Bellingham – €103 million (2023)
Los Blancos warded off competition from Liverpool and Manchester City for Bellingham’s signature. The 21-year-old went on to have a sensational first season at the Bernabeu where he scored over twenty goals as he helped Madrid to a continental double.
1. Eden Hazard – €120 million (2019)
The Belgian’s move from Chelsea in 2019 still holds the record for the club’s most expensive purchase till date. Although he was expected to fill the massive void left by Ronaldo, Hazard’s time at the Spanish capital was hampered by injuries and lack of fitness.