Since 2010, Real Madrid has seen a succession of exceptional players who have left their mark on the club’s history. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Luka Modrić, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo have all contributed to making Real Madrid one of the most successful clubs in the world. But who are the most decisive players of the last decade?
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king. Between 2009 and 2018, he scored 450 goals in 438 games, an incredible average of more than a goal a game. With 131 assists, he was responsible for more than 580 goals for the club.
Ronaldo was more than just a goalscorer. His performances in the big games, such as his hat-tricks in the Champions League against Wolfsburg and Atlético Madrid, often carried the team to victory. He has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s four Champions League wins during his time at the club. His ability to be present at crucial moments, such as in the final or in the knockout stages, has made him a legend.
Karim Benzema, the master of longevity
Having arrived in 2009, Benzema has become the soul of Madrid’s attack. With 354 goals and 165 assists, he has proved his consistency over more than a decade. Benzema is a complete striker. He excels at finishing, but also at playing as part of a team. After Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, he took on the role of attacking leader. In 2022, he won the Ballon d’Or thanks to an exceptional season, marked by dazzling performances in the Champions League, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City. Benzema is an example of longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has been involved in 519 goals for Real Madrid, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gareth Bale, a man for the big moments
Despite recurring injuries, Gareth Bale has left his mark on the club’s history with some key moments. He has scored 106 goals and provided 67 assists. His goals in the 2014 Champions League final against Atlético Madrid and in 2018 against Liverpool remain unforgettable. His famous acrobatic overhead kick against Liverpool is one of the finest goals in the history of the competition. Bale was often criticised for his inconsistency, but he was always decisive in the big games. His combination with Ronaldo and Benzema (the famous BBC) has enabled Real Madrid to dominate Europe. The Welshman has been involved in 173 goals for Real Madrid.
Vinícius Jr, the revelation
Vinícius Jr has gone from strength to strength in recent years. With 98 goals and 72 assists since his arrival in 2018, he is already a force to be reckoned with. Criticised for his lack of effectiveness in his first few seasons, he has worked hard to become one of the most feared strikers in the world. In 2022, his goal in the Champions League final against Liverpool sealed his place in the club’s history. He did it again in the 2024 final against Dortmund. His speed, dribbling and nose for goal make him a constant threat to opposing defences. He has already been involved in 170 goals for Real Madrid.
Luka Modrić, the strategist
Luka Modrić is not a big goalscorer, but his influence is immense. With 42 goals and 84 assists, he excels at organising the game and winning the ball back. Modrić is the team’s metronome, capable of changing the course of a match with a single pass. In 2018, he was awarded a Ballon d’Or, a first for a midfielder since Kaka in 2007. His role in the six Champions Leagues won since 2014 is crucial. At 39, he remains an indispensable player, proof of his class and longevity. He has been involved in 126 goals for the Casa Blanca club.
Toni Kroos, the maestro
Toni Kroos has been another essential player in midfield. Although he does not score often (29 goals), he has provided 91 assists. His vision and ability to control the tempo are vital to the team. Kroos excels at long passes and set-pieces. Along with Modrić and Casemiro, he formed a legendary trio that dominated Europe for years. He has been involved in 120 goals for Real Madrid.
Rodrygo, the joker
Rodrygo is often decisive in important moments. With 59 goals and 42 assists, he was an X-factor in the Champions League. His braces against Manchester City and Chelsea in the 2021-2022 campaign will live long in the memory. Rodrygo is a versatile player, capable of playing on either wing or in support of the striker. Although he is still young, he shows impressive maturity in crucial moments. He has been involved in 101 goals for Real Madrid.
Other Real Madrid contributors since 2010
Other players such as Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria and Isco have also played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successes. Ramos, in particular, has scored decisive goals, such as his equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final against Atlético Madrid. Di Maria was man of the match in that same final, while Isco often shone with his technical elegance.
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