A tribute to Marcelo, the greatest left-back in Real Madrid’s history

Marcelo celebrating winning his fifth Champions League and his 25th trophy as a Real player.

By Joao Cunha

In the 2007 January transfer window, a relatively unknown 18-year old signed for Real Madrid from Fluminense to try to replace the legendary left-back Roberto Carlos. Roberto Carlos was widely considered the best left-back on the planet when he played for Real, but arguarbly the greatest left-back of all-time. 2007 would be the iconic left-back’s final season at Real and he was instrumental in Real’s 30th La Liga title scoring the winner in a 3-2 win at Recreativo that was the differnce between Real winning and losing the league. That goal kept Real atop the table with three rounds left to go and they would hold on to win the league. The young backup was Marcelo who played a few games but mostly watched Real’s title win from the bench. 2007 saw Marcelo win his first trophy for Real Madrid, although he didn’t make a big contribution he saw what the culture of Real Madrid was all about. Marcelo knew that season to be a great Real player you not only need to play well individually but help your team win titles. As Roberto Carlos left the club in the summer of 2007, it was Marcelo’s job to replace him. A hard task especially as he had an uncertain beginning.

It’s easy to look back and say that everyone knew Marcelo would be a legend. After all he had all the offensive skills even at an early age to contribute. However the start of his Real career was full of doubts and inconsistent performances. Real signed veteran left-back Gabriel Heinze to compete with Marcelo and Heinze was the starting left-back for the majority of games in the 2007-08 season. Marcelo did play in a decent amount of games especially down the stretch of the season where Real had injuries and suspesnions. His talent offensively became apparent late in the 2008 season after an excellent performance in the 4-1 win against Barcelona. He ran the Barca defenders ragged that day and nearly scored after his strike was somehow saved by Valdes. He ended the 2008 season as a starter down the stretch and he won another La Liga title, this time playing a far more significant role in the victory. In the 2008-09 he was expected to take a jump and become the undisputed starter but that didn’t happen. Marcelo due to injuries started a lot of games in the beginning of the season as left-back but his defensive frailties were routinely exposed and Real conceded a lot of goals. His worst peformance came in a 4-3 home loss to Sevilla, where the Sevilla wingers Capel and Renato basically created the bulk of the four goals from Marcelo’s side. Juande Ramos who took over from the fired Bernd Schuster benched Marcelo for the more experienced Heinze at left-back. Marcelo then became an impact sub coming off the bench as a winger and his offensive peformances were so good, he even started several games. In this new role he even scored 4 goals in the laague but Real fell short of winning major trophies that season only winning the Spanish Supercup. Although Marcelo was great offensively, he was limited defensively and was seen at this time as a liabity at left-back. His saving grace was that Heinze was a total disaster at that position and left the club in the summer. Marcelo would have another chance to take his position.

In 2009-10 new manager Manuel Pelligrini rotated Marcelo and new signing Arbeloa at left-back. Marcelo would typically play against lesser teams where his offensive skills would outweigh his defensive shortcomings, while Arbeloa would be used in bigger games. Even in bigger games Marcelo was still used as a winger and he made the most appearances of any season in his Real career with 43 overall, and 35 in La Liga. He contributed with a lot more assists with the arrival of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and he still scored four goals. In 2010 he was an established player at Real, but he needed someone to believe in him as a left-back. That person would be Jose Mourinho.

Marcelo’s goal against Lyon helped end Real’s streak of not winning a Round of 16 tie for 6 straight seasons. This goal helped Real return to becoming a much more competitive club in Europe and for a lot of Madrid fans this tie is considered the turning point of the dynastic Real we have seen recently.

Jose Mourinho replaced Manuel Pelligrini after Pelligrini failed to win a trophy in 2010. Jose Mourinho came in to Real with a reputation as a defensive manager and many speculated that Marcelo would never play as a left-back under him. Yet Mourinho immediately backed Marcelo and after a few games Marcelo was the outright starter at left-back for the first time in his Real career. Marcelo relishing this chance took his oppurtunity well and delivered the best season of his career. With Carvalho and Pepe behind him, Marcelo could roam forward and have the defensive protection to cover for his runs. In addition his overall defensive positional awareness improved under Mourinho, making him a better defender. He had an even better year in terms of assists and scored three goals from left-back. He scored the most important goal of his Real career at that point a game winning goal to help Real beat Lyon 3-0 and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 7 years. It is stunning for some younger fans but Real had a 6-year period where they couldn’t reach a Champions League quarter-final, Marcelo’s goal changed that and since then Real have reached 10 semi-ifnals in 12 seasons. Marcelo also provided the most important moment of his Real career as his one-two with Di Maria allowed the winger to cross into Cristiano Ronaldo’s header that beat Barca in the Copa del Rey final 1-0. It was Real’s first trophy in three years and Marcelo was a critical part of it. Although Real would win no other titles as Barca won the league and the Champions League in 2011, Marcelo and Real Madrid had a bright future together.

Marcelo against Manchester City scored a critical equalizer to help Real win the game 3-2. Oddly enough this is one of Marcelo’s few goals where he used his weaker right foot.

in 2011-2012, Real won the league with ease finshing nine points ahead of Barcelona. Marcelo was widely considered the best left-back in the world after another fantastic season having had over 10 assists and scoring 3 goals. He was voted into the UEFA team of the year for the first time in 2011 and the FIFA team of the year in 2012. He was a loveable superstar and the ideal heir to Roberto Carlos, as he was exciting fans with his unique driblling and crossing abilities. He was in his prime but things soured for Marcelo in 2012-13. Marcelo started the season as a starter and helped Real win another trophy the Spanis Super Cyp beating Barca on the away goals rule. He scored his only goal of the season to help Real overturn a deficit and beat Manchester City 3-2 in the group stages of the Champions League. But injuries and Fabio Contreao’s excellent form saw him spend the majority of the season on the bench or as a spot-starter. Real failed to win any more trophies that season and Mourinho left the club after falling out with his players. Things at this point weren’t looking great for Real Madrid and Marcelo but Ancelotti’s arrival changed everything.

Marcelo taking off his shirt after scoring Real’s third goal in the Champions League final in 2014. It was his first Champions League title with Real.

Ancelotti gave Marcelo his starting role back initially and Marcelo responded well, regaining his form and delivering a lot of assists and linking up well offensively. But in the bigger games in the second-half of the season, Ancelotti started Contreao and he responded well helping Real win the Copa del Rey with an “assist” to Bale’s iconic goal in the final and shutting down Bayern to help Real reach their first Champions League final in 12 years. Marcelo played a lot of league games and although offensively he was still great, Ancelotti felt it was best for the team if Contreao started the Champions League final. Real failed to win La Liga so this was their chance to make their season a legendary one by finally winning the fabeled “Decima” aka the tenth Champions Le4ague title. Real fell behind 1-0 with a bizzare mistake from Iker Casillas and it looked it wouldn’t be Rea;’s day. Contreao had an off day and was subbed off for Marcelo who made an instant impact. He earned corners, crossed balls in the box, broke Atletico’s iines with his dribbling. Late on in the geme it seemed like only Marcelo and Di Maria could break through the Atletico defense. In the 93rd minute after a succession of corners which Marcelo helped win. Luka Modric delivered the crosss and Sergio Ramos headed the ball past a despairing Courtois. Real were saved and Marcelo was a key reason why. In extra-time, Bale scored to make it 2-1 after Di Maria’s great shot was saved by Courtois. But many forger that Real suffered right after that goal, as Casillas made anohter mistake and Tiago blasted his shot over the bar. Atletico still had life, they were a moment away from sending the game into penalties. Marcelo knowing this took a simple pass by Cristiano Ronadlo dribbled past a few players and hit a powerful shot through Courtois and into the net. The man who was benched in the final, who had been questioned about him being a liablity, who had many questioning if he could replace the great Roberto Carlos couldn’t do, he had scored in a Champions League final. Although Cristiano Ronaldo would another goal to make the scoreline 4-1, Marcelo’s impact and goal sealed the 10th Champions League for Real Madrid. It was the final turning point in Marcelo’s Real career from this point forward he was the undisputed starter for the next 5 years.

Marcelo scoring a critical goal in Real’s 2-1 win at Beyern Munich in 2018. Real went on to win the tie 4-3 over two leags and would go on to win their 13th Champions League title.

Real Madrid continued to win trophies with Marcelo having great seasons having averaged around 11 assists a season froom 2013-14 to 2017-18 with his best season coming in 2016-17 when he had 14 assists. In 2014-15 Marcelo helped Real win the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. In 2015-16, Zidane arrived mid-season and Marcelo srarted another Champions League final where he scored a key penalty in the shootout where Real would defeat 5-3 on penalties to win their 11th Champions League. In 2016-17, Real would win another UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and would win their first La Liga title sicne 2017, There’s an argument to be made that Marcelo had not only hjis best season in 2016-17 but he might have Been Real’s most consistent player. His impact was most obvious in the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern where his improved defenisve postioning saved two balls off the line and he set up Cristiano Ronaldo’s game clinching goal with a remarkable run. In the league his best game was at home to Valencia where his 84th minute goal dragged Real into a 2-1 win which eventually led to their 33rd league title. In the 2017 Champions League final, Marcelo played a fantastic game and it was his dribble and cross that led to Real’s fourth goal in the 4-1 win. Real Madrid had been the first club in the Champions League era to win back to back titles and Marcelo was a vital part of that sucesss. In 2017-18, Marcelo helped Real win the Spanish Supercup by providing the cross that led to Pique’s own goal in the first-leg and the cross that led to Benzema’s goal in the second-leg. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. Marcelo had a very inconisistent league season as Real finished 3rd in La Liga, and after a shock exit to Leganes in the Copa del Rey, the season was on the brink. Only the Champions League was left for Real and Marcelo brought his best. Against PSG Marcelo was brilliant and scored the third goal in Real’s 3-1 home win, and after a solid 2-1 road win in Paris Marcelo and Real advanced to the quarter-ifnals. In the quarter-tinals Real destroyed Juventus 3-0 in a game that is known for Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick and his two goal performance. However Marcelo scored the key third goal in the tie, a detail that would be vital for Real Madrid in the tie. In the second-;eg Real fell behind 3-0 and if not Marcelo’s goal, Real regardless of the late penalty goal by Cristiano would have been eliminated. Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty saved Real Madrid and they were through to the semis. Real would face Bayern and although Real conceded first, a stunning strike by Marcelo got Real Madrid level. Real went on to win the game 2-1, and in the second-leg Marcelo’s perfect cross allowed Benzema to score one of his two clutch goals as Real held on to a 2-2 draw to reach another Champions League final. In the buildup a lot was made of Marcelo being poor defensively and that he was a liability for Real Madrid. The always humble English press proclaimed that Liverpool would exploit Marcelo and Liverpool would win the final. None of those two things happened. Marcelo had a fantastic game bombing forward at will, especially in the second-half. His cross led to Gareth Bale’s iconic bicycle kick goal and his cross field ball led to Bale’s second goal. Real went on to win the final 3-1 and Marcelo the “liablity” had managed two assists on the night. One more great season under his belt and he made the FIFA team of the year from 2015 to 2019 as he was during a large chunk of those years the world’d best left-back. He also made the UEFA team of the year in 2017 and 2018, and for Brazil won the Confederations Cup and made the World Cup all-star team in 2014 and 2018. By 2018-19, Marcelo was already considered one of the best left-backs ever and although he didn’t have a great season he still helped Real win the Club World Cup finsihing the tournament with 2 assists. He still scored two goals but by the end of 2019, injuries and poor from saw him benched. When Zidane returned to the club he insisted on Marcelo but after a 3-0 loss to PSG in the 2019-20 Champions League benched Marcelo in favor of Mendy. Although Marcelo in the second-half of the season regained some form and started the clasico against Barca. His tackle on Messi when the game was 1-0 to Real saved a certain goal and he helped Real win that game 2-0. In the final 11 games of the La Liga season, Real won 10 of them and Marcelo scored against Eibar, had some assists and earned the key penalty against BIlbao in which Sergio Ramos converted. Real Madid overtunred a two point deficit into a five-point lead and won the league title in 2020 in addtion to the Spanish Supercup. In 2020-21 Real Madrid went trophyless and Marcelo’s offensive abiliies finally began to decline, at the end he was benched for Miguel Gutirrez. Zidane left the club after the season and Anceltotti retuened as manager, but 2021-22 would end up being Marcelo’s last dance at Real Madrid.

Marcelo lifting La Liga for the sixth time and the first time as captain after Real beat Espanyol 4-0 to win La Liga.

2021-22 was Marcelo’s final season as his contract wasn’t renewed, and he mostly came off the bench and finished the season with two assists, one to Benzema in a 3-0 win against Mallorca and the other to Rodrygo in a 4-0 win against Espanyol. The second assist was special, Real needed to win to clinch the league and Marcelo having his last great game for the club set up Rodrygo with an exccelent cross with the young Brazilain taking a powerful shot past Diego Lopez. Marcelo cried after that goal as he knew it meant potentially his last major contribution to a Real Madrid title. Real lifted the title with Marcelo becoming the first non-Spanish captain to lift La Liga. Earlier in the season, he came in as a late sub in the Spanish Supercup final win over Bilbao to lift his first trophy as captain. But the best was yet to come. Real Madrid reached the Champions League final and althorugh Marcelo didn’t play much he had a priceless contribution against Chelsea. Chelsea were 15 minutes from advancing to the semi-finals, Real needed a goal and Ferland Mendy had a poor game. Marcelo came in for the last time in meaningful Champions League night and did himself proud. He earned free-kicks, dribbled past defenders, kept the ball well, and defended with all his heaert. He gave everything that night and when Rodrygo and Vinicus Junior got the goals Real needed to advamce. Marcelo’s leadership kept everuthing calm. He guided the younger players and was committed to getting Real over the line, and when the final whistle blew he roared with joy. Marcelo even being at the end of his Real career helped the club of his life in a big game. Real used the momentum against Chelsea and beat City in another epic tie and reached the Champions League. Just like in 2018, the never arrogant English media proclaimed that Liverpool would “blow Real away” and the only thing Liverpool blew away was another chance at a trophy. Real beat Liverpool 1-0 behind a goal by another young oft-criticized Brazilian Viniciius Junior lifted their 14th Champions League. It would be Marcelo’s last trophy for Real Madrid, his 25th title of his remarkable career. A career that saw him start with doubts and finish as the greatest left-back in Real’s history. But he is also the most successful player in Real’s history, no player in Real’s great history has won more silverware. His haul of 26 trophies is a testament to how he contributed to a winning enviroment. A player doesn’t just need to score or make big saves to contribute, but be an example to yoing players. You must be willing to handle being benched and must fight for your place. You cannot take things for granted and must love fighting for your club. Marcelo represents all the good things about a professional sportsman and he is the symbol of the club for the last 15 years. Very few wore the white shirt with as much pride as Marcelo, and none of them were as happy as he was.

Marcelo becoming the first non-Spanish captain to lift a trophy for Real Madrid after Real won the Spanish Supercup in 2022. At this moment Marcelo equalled Real Madrid legend Francisco Gento’s record with his 23rd title. Marcelo would go on to add two more trophies and break Gento’s long standing record.

As a Real Madrid fan for 15 years, I actually became a Real Madrid fan around the same time Marcelo arrived at the club. Marcelo’s the last symbol of the La Liga de las remontadas back in 2007. It is fittingvf that he should end his career with the Champions League of remontadas. I saw him grow up as I grew up and for me there are very few people in sports I like as much as Marcelo, I saw him grow up before my eyes, and I saw him become the best player maybe of all time at his position. He took over from a legend and never complained about it, did his job and in my opinion surpassed Roberto Carlos. The way he handled controversies, benchings, and chaos was exemplary. His status as a legendary Real Madrid player is unquestioned. But as good as he was as a player, he is and always will be a better person. He will leave Real Madrid but Real Madrid will never forget him, the fans will always love him, and football is abetter sport for his presence. Thanks for the memories Marcelo!

List of titles Marcelo won at Real Madrid:

6 La Liga titles: (2006-07, 2007-08, 2011-12, 2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22)

2 C0pa del Rey titles: (2010-11. 2013-14)

5 Spanish Supercups (2008, 2012, 2017, 2019-20, 2021-22)

3 UEFA Super Cups (2014, 2016, 2017)

4 FIFA Club World Cups (2014, 2016. 2017. 2018)

5 UEFA Champions League titles (2013-14, 2015-16. 2016-17. 2017-18, 2021-22)

25 trophies total.

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Real Madrid’s inexplicable double: Reviewing Real’s incredible 2021/22 season

By Joao Cunha

Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 to win their 14th Champions League behind a goal By Vinicus Junior.

Real Madrid’s 2021-22 season can only be describned as surreal. Real Madrid somehow ended up winning three out of four available trophies, only missing out on the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup beating Bilbao in the final 2-0 with goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. The team then won La Liga with relative ease winning the league with four rounds to spare. Real finished 13 points ahead of second-place Barcelona which is their largest lead over a second-place side in the club’s history. Then to top it off, Real Madrid won the Champions League against all odds defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final with a goal by Vincius Junior. Real Madrid defeated PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City three oi the four favorites to reach the final, winning memorable and historic games en route to the final. But this season as successful as it has been was a complete surprise to everyone. No one expected Real to win the league with ease, let alone win the Champions League. Not just the media but even Real Madrid’s own fans dismissed this season as a rebuilding year. That this was a season meant to sheperd out the old guard, blood in the young players, try to win a title, and try to wait for the big star to arrive which was Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe didn’t move in the summer and he was expected to be the future star of Real and the beginning of the new era of dominance. When Mbappe rejected the club to stay at PSG a week before the Champions League final it set the team back from a rebuilding perspective but as well as Real’s pride. Real Madrid had in theory sacrificed so many years you can make argument since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018 just to sign Mbappe. So Real Madrid if they hadn’t succeded this season would be in a full-blown crisis, with a short-term failure and a long-term uncertainity. This is why this season was so important because of the incredible success and because it was so unexpected. Rarely are Real underdogs and this season they were and not without reason.

Real Madird’s offseason in 2021 was a very turbulent time as Zidane left as manager of Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos left the club on a free after a lengthy contract dispute with the club. Raphael Varane refused to sign a contract extension and was sold to Manchester United. Gareth Bale who is persona non-grata at Real, returned from his one-year loan with very little fan fare. Max Allegri the club’s first choice to replace Zidane as manager, rejected the club for Juventus. (He then bragged about it months later.) Real Madrid then hired Carlo Ancelotti who came off several poor stints at Everton and Napoli, which to be fair says just as much about those clubs as it does Ancelotti. However Carlo was a questionable choice as he seemingly was thought of as an outdated coach, and Real needed a better tactican to take advantage of a more limited squad than Real are used to. However Ancelotti brought along Vinicus Junior trying to make him a better goalscorer and decision maker. Ancelotti also made Militao work on his defending. Ancelotti wanted to work with the players to improve their level. In addition Real Madrid signed David Alaba as center-back replacement for Ramos and Eduardo Camavinga to add depth to midfield. Real Madrid weren’t favorites to win La LIga as Atletico won the league in 2021 and Real were decisively beaten in the Champions League semi-finals by Chelsea. Nobody expected anything of them, but they surprised everyone.

Real Madrid beat Athletic Bibao 2-0 behind goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema to wiin their 12th Spanish Supercup.

Real Madrid strarted off the serason inconsistently, they got off to a nice start in La Liga but conceded a lot of goals. Real beat Inter 1-0 at San Siro but then they suffered a shock defeat at home to Sheriff 2-1 and then lost to Espanyol 2-1 away from home. Ancelotti was getting heavily criticized for his side’s defensive struggles and he had to fix something. Then the next game, Real Madrid beat Shaktar 5-0 with goals by Vinicus Junior, Rodygo, and Benzema to seal a great win. Real Madrid instead of a playing a more aggressive pressing style, decided to play a more defensive, counter-attacking style. Real then Barca 2-1 away at Camp Nou to go top of the league, a position in which they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the season. Real Madrid then flew by taking full control of La Liga and topping the Champions League group. In January Real defeated Barca 3-2, and Atheltic Bibao 2-0 to win their 12th Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid kept going strong in La Liga but suffered a painful elimination to Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. A 1-0 loss to PSG put pressure on Ancelotti as the team showed no signs of life and could have easily allowed more goals. But Real Madrid behind a hat-trick by Benzema made it into the Champions League quarter-finals. A humbling 4-0 loss to Barcelona at home put new doubts about Ancelotti and the team. Although the team was still nine points clear atop the league, there were questions how much further Real could go in Europe. But it turned out to be a historic fluke, as Real eliminated Chelsea despite suffering a scare in the second-leg and won the next five league games to seal La Liga with four rounds to spare. During this timespan they lost 4-3 at Manchester City and headed into the second-leg needing a remontada. Real Madrid although played well were down 1-0 in the 89th minute against Manchester City, it looked like the Champions League run was over. Rodrygo in a spaan scored two goals in two minutes to send the game into extra-time. Real Madrid then scored through a Benzema penalty to send the team to the final. Another fightback and a trip to Paris was secured. In the final against Liverpool, the team suffered but held on to win 1-0 behind a masterclass by Courtois and a clutch goal by Vincius Junior. The team had completed a remarkable and unlikely double. For me the greatest season in Real Madird’s season.

Real Madrid won La LIga in 2021-22 season with 86 points. They clinched the league with four games to spare. Real Madrid scored the mosrt goals (80) and second-best defense (31).

It may seem like an absurd take and a reactionary one to many but there has been no season as good as this one by Real Madrid. Yes 2016-17 Real Madrid were at their apex and won four out of a possible five titles. That team only lost five times and they were clearly the best team in Spain and Europe. Their second-half destruction of Juventus was legendary and the 4-1 scoreline in the 2017 final didn’t flatter Real at all. But Real fans aren’t Barca fans, they don’t care quite as much for dominance and perfection. Real fans want to be entertained and they want to see their team win but not in a such easy way. 2021-22 Real Madrid has all the positive qualities of a Real side, they have the individual quality (Benzema, Vini, Modric, Courtois) a collective unity, and a never-say-die attitude. Real Madrid’s remontada against PSG was insane, their survival against Chelsea heartstopping, and THAT comeback against City absolutely fucking crazy. This team provided Real Madrid games that are more memorable than many finals, many clasico wins and they were some great performances. A La Liga and CL double is a rare enough feat for Real as this was only their fourth in the club’s history but a team that’s so entertaining is even rarer. The La LIga games against Sevilla were a testament to this. Real were down both meetings and needed big comebacks to win 2-1 at home with a great goal by Vincius Junior and 3-2 with a last-minute goal Benzema. The comeback against Valencia on the road, the comeback draw to home to Elche, the 5-2 win at home to Celta Vigo, and the 3-2 extra-time win against Barcelona are examples of some the insane games Real played this season. Although some would argue this a proof of Real’s weaknesses in controlling games and defending which are fair points. I have never said this is Real’s best side, far from it. I think this is the least cohesive side to win the Champions League that Real have had at least in the last decade. However what they lack in control and depth, they make up for it in heart and individual brilliance. Real Madrid though don’t play the most eye-catching football, they do play the mos efficient and dranatic games in Europe this season. To top it off they won at a time when Real Madrid sorely needed it. Real had gone through several years of boring football that although made the team competitive was not inspiring and didn’t take the club that far in the Champions League. Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo left, the club struggled for goals and although the team won La LIga in 2020, they were far from being competitive in Europe. Seeing Atletico win La Liga and English clubs dominate the last few years in the Champions League hurt Real fans. It also upset the fans to see no real star players come to the club, it was e legitmate rebuild and they needed to have patience. The patience finally payed off this season and the Champions League camapign felt like three or four Champions League wins. Real succeeded in overcoming where the post-CR7 Real sides failed, they overcame the odds and delivered the most dramatic Champions League ever. Four years after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure the club is back at the top of Spanish and European football. They dominated with a combination of veterans and young players with very few players in their peak. Real Madrid through coaching, hard work, and spirit became great again and have a bright future to look forward to. With Vinicus Junior developing into a superstar, eve without Mbappe they have their face of the future and the present. So this season may be the end of an era with Isco, Bale and Marcelo leaving but it is the befinning of a new era. An era led by Valverde, Vini Junior, Militao, Camaving and Rodrygo. A future that can make Real Madrid fans move on from once and for all from the Cristiano Ronaldo era.

Top 10 players this season in my opinion.

10. Casemiro: An inconsistent season that started off slowly and he hit form around November before dropping off again in January. Casemiro this season had poor moments on the ball and wasn’t the best against the press but his defensive awareness is still vital even when he doesn’t play well. When Casemiro missed the PSG and City games, Real Madrid were so exposed defensively and the midfield was cut open time and time again. Despite his up and down form, he performed exceptionally well in big games. The first two clasicos against Barca, the 2-0 win against Atletico, the 3-1 win against City, and he saved his best for last. His exceptional performance in the final, reading the game acting like a third center back to help Alaba clearing crosses in the box. Casemiro in big games delivered.

9. Rodrygo: He started the season slowly but he has been an incredible asset off the bench. His nine goals and many assists were vital to Real’s double. He assisted Alaba’s goal in the clasico at Camp Nou, he assisted Valverde’s winner in the Spanish Supercup, Rodygo assisted Modric’s goal in the Supercup final. And he scored in massive games, getting the first goal and assiting Benzema’s winner at Sevilla, his two goals to seal the league at home to Espanyol, his winner against Inter Milan in the San Siro. Of course his biggest games were in the CL knockout stages. His iconic volley against Chelsea saved Real Madrid to send the tie into extra-time, and his two clutch goals in two minutes to send the match into extra-time. Rodrygo was the seoond top scorer for Real in the Champions League, despite the fact he wasn’t a starter for the majority of the season. Although his end product needs to improve, he is already a big-game player and his contributions down the stretch were fundamental to Real’s three trophies this season.

8. Ferland Mendy: He has limitations as an offensive player, he needs to work on his crossing and combining with Vinicus Junior. However he still scored two goals and his defensive contributions is outstanding. He has had his fair share of injuries this season, but when he is in fully fit he can shut down opposing wingers. His perormances against Barca in the Camp Nou, Manchester City at home with his famous goal-line clearance, and his Champions League final performance where he helped limit Mohamed Salah. Mendy has had another solid season.

7. Federico Valverde: He started the season off slowly, suffering from lack of form and injuries. Although he intially started off as a starter, his uneven form coupled with Kroos coming back from injury he was put back on the bench. When he returned from COVID in January, he slowly regained his form. He scored a clutch winner against Barcelona in the semis of the Spanish Super Cup. But his biggest impact was in the Champions League where his performances against PSG, Chelsea, City, and Liverpool. He had the key assist to Vinicius Junior in the CL final to help Real win the Champions League. Although Valverde’s true impact is his energy, pressing, and covering ground to help Real defensively. A selfless player and deserves more recognition.

6. David Alaba: He has been a fantastic signing and slowly became a fan favorite at Real Madrid. A smart, classy center back on the ball, he brought leadership and conisstency to the backline. His outstanding perfromance in the first clasico scoring the firs goal, and defended well to hold off Barca. Alaba also performed really well against PSG, Chelsea, and many La LIg games. Although he suffered injuries down the stretch and had some bad performances against Barca, and Manchester City he was mostly incredible throughout the season. Alaba’s Champions League final performance was solid. A great leader and replaced Ramos as well as a player could have.

5. Eder Militao: It might seem like a controversial choice to put Militao above Alaba. He may be mistake prone, he started off the season poorly and had a poor April, but he has been Real Madrid’s most exceptional defender. His heading ability was vital to the defense as the backline is short as Alaba isn’t tall as a CB, so he is pivotal to the defensive structure of the side. His agression is great in a partnership with Alaba. His exceptional performances against PSG, Chelsea, City, and throughout La Liga games has helped Real be successful. Militao’s Champions League final performance was magnificent and really help limit Sadio Mane and clearing Arnold’s crosses in the final. His poor games against Barca, Sevilla, and City (first-leg) are compensenated by his consistently excellent performance. Militao has been a titan this season and deserves more respect.

4. Luka Modric: The outstanding midfielder of this legendary season. His consistency is staggering for a 36-year old. He not has delivered week in and week out for La Liga, having incredible performances against Atleico, scoring a great goal against Real Sociedad, and being pivotal against Sevilla and Bibao in both wins. He also had two solid perfomances against Barca in the league and Spanish Supercup, and he scored the winner against Athetic Bilbao in the Supercup final. But he saved his most legendary performances for the CL. His insane run and assist to Karim Benzema to PSG helped Real go through to the quarter-finals. His displays against Chelsea home and away were special, he had a great cross to set Benzema’s second goal in the first-leg, and then his iconic pass to Rodrygo to help save Real from elimination. His solid performance against Liverpool in the final capped off a magnificent season for the diminutive Croatian. His pass set up Carvajal for the move that led to Vinicus Junior’s goal. An fanatastic season for a brilliant player.

3. Vinicius Junior: A player that was once criticized for not having a great end-product finally broke through this season. He scored 22 goals, 16 assists and earned 5 penalties this season. A truly dynamic player who was pivotal to Real’s counter-attack. The system Ancelotti used required a speedy outlet and Vini was critical to the team’s improved offense this season. Vinicus Junior was the third top-scorer in the league and top five in assists. He had critical goals against Barca (SuperCUp), two assists against Atletico, goal at Sociedad, goals home and away to Valencia, and a staggering game winning goal at home to Sevilla. In the Champions League he assisted Benzema against PSG, and had an assist for Benzema both in the away and home leg against Chelsea. His stunning solo goal in the first-leg against City kept Real in the tie. But his best moment was his last game. His clutch goal to deliver Real Madrid the 14th Champions League. A player who once was mocked for not scoring goals, is now hailed for scoring the biggest goal of the season. Vinicius Junior is now a superstar and this season was confirmation of it.

2. Thibaut Courtois: The best goalkeeper in the world. Not much more needs to be said. He is a tradtional gialkeeper, a keeper who dominates his area and makes big saves. He made no big mistakes in either La Liga, Supercup, or the Champions League. His best performances in the league were against Bibao, Sevilla, Betis, Celta won Real Madrid many vital points. He also saved a penalty in the final of the Spanish Supercup against Bilbao keeping Raul Garcia out with his feet. His best performances were reserved for the Champions League. He was outstanding in the group stage, keeping four clean sheets and being the best player over the wo legs against Inter. In the knockout stages against PSG, he saved a peanlty from Messi and made a brilliant save from Mbappe from the top of the box. In the second leg, he made key saves against Mbappe and Neymar. In the Chelsea tie he made an absurd save against Azpi and in the second leg he made several great saves including an iconic save from a header by Havertz. Against City he made big saves from Mahrez, Foden in the first leg. In the second-leg he made several big saves from Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish to keep the side in the game, but his save against Foden to keep Real in the lead. Courtois said before the final said he’s on “the right side this time” after he lost the final in 2014 when he was an Atletico player. He said that Real would win and unlike a certain Liverpool player he backed up his words. Courtois made nine saves in the final which was a tournament record in the final. His saves against Mane in the first half and Salah in the second-half which kept Liverpool wihout a single goal. He said after the final that he wanted people “to put respect on his name” and after THAT goal people respect him now. Courtois now holds the record for most saves in the history of a Champions League game with 59. The wall behind Real Madrid’s three trophies.

1. Karim Benzema: The future Balon d’Or winner. The best striker of his generation. The player who has been the top-scorer of La Liga with 27 goals and the top scorer of the Champions League with 15 goals. Karim Benzema is not only the best striker in the woeld, but a great playmaker having the sedond-most assists in La Liga with 12. Benzema’s perormances have been legendary this season scoring goals against Sevilla (twice), Valencia (twice), Bibao (three times including the Supercup final), Barcelona (Supercup semifinal), Celta (twice), and Espanyol to help clinich the league. In the Champions League, Benzema scored an iconic hat-trick to drag Real to the quarter-finals. Against Chelsea he scored a first-leg hat trick and scored the tie winning goal in extra-time in the second-leg. In the tie against City he scored two clutch goals, one a gresat first-time finish from a Mendy cross, and the other a cool chip against Ederson. In the second-leg his cross he set up Rodrygo for the first goal, and earned the penalty and scored the winning penalty in the tie. In the final he had a goal (wrongly) called offside and kept the ball well. A tremendous player, leader, and captain. The best player on the best team in Europe.

A shoutout to Bale, Isco, and Marcelo. Three legends who left Real Madrid this season on top. Isco the midfield maestro, Bale the speedy winger, and Marcelo the attcking left back. Marcelo especially as he has been the official club captain this season. Marcelo has spent 15 years at Real Madrid and has won 25 trophies. A true Real legend.