Gareth Bale, the captain of the Wales football team will remain unavailable for Wales both on and off the pitch in the Qatar World Cup Qualifiers. Qatar is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification from June 2019. This is basically a qualifying process that will decide will decide the 31 of the 32 teams participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Read also: Most Free-Kick Goals In Premier League

The qualifying process of Qatar World Cup Qualifiers came to a halt and got postponed a few times due to Covid-19. The entire process of qualification will certainly end in June 2022. Daniel James is always an expert and a go-to player for Wales, especially in FIFA World Cup qualifying. The qualification of Wales in the Qatar World Cup qualifiers depends majorly on James. The winger hails Gareth Bale, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Raphinha.

Read also: Top Ten highest paid footballers in the world

In an interview with FIFA James said, "Gareth has had an unbelievable career. It's a privilege to play with him on the same team. It's funny to think he started as a left-back really, a wing-back. The game that always comes to mind was that Inter Milan game when he tore Maicon apart. Ever since then, he's just improved. He deservedly got a move to Real Madrid and he hasn't let anyone down – four Champions League, lots of other trophies. He's been absolutely unbelievable for them. And he's been unbelievable for us and continues to be – on and off the pitch. He brings so much to the squad. He's great with us players. He's just so nice. He always gives his words of wisdom, he's a bit of a captain as well. He's great before the game. He just loves playing for Wales. It's great for the boys."

Read also: Players with the most champions league titles

El Clasico is one of football’s biggest rivalries, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Over the years, they’ve played many exciting and emotional matches, full of great goals and big moments. With stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos, these games are always packed with talent and drama.

10. Real Madrid 5-0 FC Barcelona, 1995

The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.

The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.

9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014

The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Bale secured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.

8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010

After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.

Read Also: Barcelona vs Real Madrid trophy battle: Which club has won more trophies

7. FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, 2007

This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.

Messi scored a hat-trick, while Van Nistelrooy scored twice and Ramos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.

6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005

The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.

5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960

Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.

The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.

4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015

During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Read Also: Youngest goalscorers in El Clasico: Lamine Yamal breaks 77-year-old record to become the youngest ever

3. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 1988

With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.

2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011

One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.

Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.

1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017

Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.

What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.

Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. 
Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. 
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:  

10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:

Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.

He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.

9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:

FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.

The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.

8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:

Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.

7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:

Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.

Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.

6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:

Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.

Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.

5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:

One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:

Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.

Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.

3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:

At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.  

Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.

2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:

Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.

1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:

The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.

 After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.

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Tottenham Hotspurs is famously known for its inconsistent performances and major trophy drought. Spurs won the League Cup back in 2008. After 2008's glory, Spurs have not won any major trophies, but several of their former players have found success elsewhere. 

Over 100 trophies have been won by former Tottenham Hotspurs players over the last 15 years, with players like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale responsible for over 40 of those. Here is the list of the former Tottenham Hotspurs players who have left Tottenham over the past decade and gone on to win silverware in one of Europe's top-flight leagues.

Tottenham Hotspur Players Who Won Trophies After Leaving

Luka Modric with Real Madrid 

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, roped in the Croatian maestro back in 2012.

• 6x UEFA Champions League Winner (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x FIFA Club World Cup Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023)
• 4x La Liga Champion (2016-2017, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup Winner (2023-24)
• 2x Spanish Cup Winner (2013-14, 2022-23)
• 5x Spanish Super Cup Winner (2012-13, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)

Kyle Walker with Manchester City 

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's head coach, insisted the signing of the English full-back in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Champions League (2022-23),
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2024),
• 6x English Premier League Champion (2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2018-19, 2017-18),
• 1x UEFA Super Cup (2023-24), 
• 2x English FA Cup Winner (2023, 2019),
• 4x Carabao Cup Winner (2018,2019,2020,2021), 
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2018-19, 2019-20).

Gareth Bale with Real Madrid and Los Angeles FC

Gareth Bale left Tottanham and joined Real Madrid on September 1, 2013. After spending a long elusive career at Madrid, he returned to Tottenham on loan in Sptember 2020.

The Welsh stalwart came back to Madrid before permanently joining Los Angeles FC in July 2022.

• 5x UEFA Champions League Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2015, 2018, 2019)
• 3x La Liga Champion with Real Madrid (2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22)
• 3x UEFA Super Cup Champion with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Cup Champion with LAFC (2021-22)
• 1x Supporter's Shield Winner with LAFC (2021-22)

Emerson Royal with AC Milan (1 trophy)

AC Milan signed Emerson Royal on a €15m transfer on 12 August 2024.

• 1x Supercoppa Italiana (2024)

Lucas Moura with Sao Paulo

Lucas Moura was one of the most crucial player in Tottenham's iconic run in 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. Sao Paulo signed Moura on a free-transfer in August 2023.

• 1x Copa do Brasil (2023)
• Supercopa do Brasil (2024)

Roman Pavlyuchenko with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Tottenham star left the North London side to join Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012.

• 1x Russian Cup (2015)

Steven Pienaar with Bidvest Wits FC

The now-retired South African star left the club in July 2012.

• 1x Soth African Cup (2018)

Rafael van der Vaart with FC Midtjylland

The former Dutch international left Tottenham in 2012.

• 1x Danish Superliga (2017-18)

Kieran Trippier with Atletico Madrid

The English international left Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2019.

• 1x La Liga (2020-21)

Fernando Llorente with Napoli

The Spanish World up winner joined Napoli in September 2019.

• 1x Coppa Italia (2019-20)

Victor Wanyama with CF Montreal

The former Kenyan international joined Montreal in March 2020.

• 1x Canadian Championship (2021)

Erik Lamela with Sevilla

The Argentine midfielder Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League (2022-23)

Paulinho with Guangzhou Evergrande

The former Brazilian star left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2015.

• 3x Chinese Super League (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)
• 1x AFC Champions League (2015)

Fedrico Fazio with Roma

The Argentine left Tottenham in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Conference League (2021-22)

Dimitar Berbatov with Manchester United

The former Bulgarian international and United legend left Tottenham in 2008.

• 2x Premier League Winner (2008-09, 2010-11)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2009)
• 3x English League Cup Winner (2009, 2010)
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2010-11,2011-12)

Didier Zokora with Sevilla

The former Ivory Coast Defensive Midfielder left Tottenham in 2009.

• 1x Spanish Cup Winner (2009-10)

Christian Eriksen with Inter Milan 

• The Danish Midfielder left Tottenham in 2020
• 1x Italian Champion (2020-21)

Robbie Keane with the Los Angeles Galaxy

The Irish legend left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2011.

• 3x MLS Cup Champion (2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winner (2010-11)

Adel Taarabt with Queens Park Rangers

The Moroccan midfielder left Tottenham to join Queens Park Rangers on loan in 2009.

• 1x English 2nd tier Champion (2010-11)

Paul-Jose Mpoku with Standard Liege

Mpoku left Tottenham Hotspur in 2011.

• 1x Belgium Cup Winner (2018)

Vedran Corluka with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Croatian Center back left Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

• 4x Russian Cup Winner (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
• 1x Russian Champion (2018)
• 1x Russian Super Cup Winner (2019-20)

Clint Dempsey with Seattle Sounders FC

The USMNT legend left Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

• 1x MLS Cup Winner (2015-16)
• 1x US Open Cup winner (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winners (2013-14)

Benjamin Stambouli with Paris Saint-Germain

Benjamin Stambouli left Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 to join Paris Saint-Germain.

• 1x Ligue 1 (2015-16)
• 1x French Cup (2015-16)
• 1x French League Cup (2015-16)
• 2x French Super Cup (2015-16, 2016-17)

Vincent Janssen with CF Monterrey

Vincent left the Spurs in 2019.

• 1x CONCACAF Champions League Winners (2020-21)
• 1x Mexican League (2019-20)
• 1x Mexican Cup Winner (2019-20)

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou with Besiktas

He left Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Lig (2021-22)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2020-21)

Juan Foyth with Villarreal CF

The Argentine World Cup winner left Tottenham in 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League Winner (2020-21)

Carlos Vinicius with PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray

The Brazilian left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 1x KNVB Cup (2021-22)
• 1x Dutch Super Cup (2023)
• 1x Turkish Champions (2023-24)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

Cameron Carter-Vickers with Celtic FC

The USA international left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2022.

• 2x Scottish Cup Winner (2022-23, 2023-24)
• 2x Scottish League Cup Winner (2022-23, 2024-25)

Joe Hart with Celtic FC

The legendary England goalkeeper left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 2x Scottish Premiership Winner (2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Scottish League Cup (2021-22, 2022-23)

Toby Alderweireld with Al-Duhail and Royal Antwerp

The Belgian Mid-field maestro left Tottenham Hotspur to join Al-Duhail in 2021.

• 1x Qatari Cup with Al-Duhail (2021-22)
• 1x Belgian League (2022-23)
• 1x Belgian Cup winner (2023)

Davinson Sanchez with Galatasaray

Sanchez left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

Players who earn a place in the starting eleven crash into the headlines mostly, but those who come off the bench are never insignificant. Depending on the situation and for various other tactical and strategic moves, substitute players can make huge differences when things start getting tough on the pitch. 

Sportzpoint explores the greatest substitutions that changed the football history and remained folkloric.

Mario Gotze

(Germany vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup Final 2014)

Mario Gotze lived the dream of every footballer back in 2014 when he scored the only goal against Argentina in the Final to take Germany to their fourth World Cup glory. 

What a goal to win it! 🤯 🇩🇪 @MarioGoetze, #OnThisDay in 2014 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #FIFAWorldCup | @DFB_Team pic.twitter.com/gluKvx1o8v

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2022

Gotze came off the bench replacing the legendary Miroslav Klose, only two minutes before the full-time whistle but the game ended goalless. However, in the 113 minute of AET, Gotze received Schurrle's pass on the left and from a close range to the goal; and his left-footed strike fooled Argentina keeper Romero to end up in the goal. 

Argentina could not bounce back from this late setback and Germany lifted the World Cup 2014. Mario Gotze's substitution remained one of the most impactful in the history of football. 

Gareth Bale

(Real Madrid vs Liverpool, UCL Final 2017-18)

Gareth Bale admitted in an interview with FourFourTwo that he was very frustrated after not getting a start for Real Madrid in the 2017-18 UCL Final against Liverpool. However, Bale's fallout with Real Madrid's then-manager Zinedine Zidane led us to experience one of the greatest substitutions in the Champions League's history.

After a goalless first half, Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 51st minute; but Sadio Mane only took 4 minutes to equalize for Liverpool. In the 61st minute, Bale replaced Isco but who would have thought that the Welshman was going to rewrite history and all by himself? 

#GoalOfTheDay | Gareth Bale vs Liverpool (2018) pic.twitter.com/B4dA2c4FV2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 19, 2023

Only 3 minutes after Bale came on, Marcelo's cross found him in the box and Bale produced an acrobatic overhead volley, and the ball ended up in the net. Bale sealed the victory for Madrid in the 83rd minute with a rocketed strike which made Liverpool keeper Karius fumble and the ball went inside. Coming off the bench, Gareth Bale scored this heroic brace to lead Real Madrid to win their third consecutive UCL title.

Eder

(Portugal vs France, EURO 2016 Final)

Eder became an overnight sensation after slotting a late strike to win Portugal the EURO 2016, their first-ever major trophy in history. 

France and Portugal both wasted opportunities in the full-time but things became very wrong for Portugal way before. In the 25th minute, the talisman Cristiano Ronaldo faced a rough challenge from Dimitri Payet, and he was subbed off injured. However, Eder came off the bench in the 79th minute of the Final but the 90-minute of play ended in a stalemate of a 0-0 scoreline.

🇵🇹🚀 7 years ago today: Portugal beat France 1-0 in the EURO 2016 final courtesy of this goal from Éder in extra-time! pic.twitter.com/vsNwduJugw

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 10, 2023

But it was Eder, who only played 13 minutes in the tournament, stepped up and broke the deadlock to score the only goal in the final in the 109th minute. France could not produce a comeback as Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted their first-ever major international trophy.

Ilkay Gundogan

(Manchester City vs Aston Villa, 2021-22 Premier League)

It was a neck-to-neck battle between Manchester City and Liverpool in the 2021-22 Premier League title race. Before heading into the last matchday on 22 May 2022, Manchester City was atop the table with 90 points in 37 matches and Liverpool was positioned just behind with 89 points in the same number of games.

Manchester City was set to face Aston Villa in the last match of the season and a win would ensure their fourth consecutive PL title. However, things did not go as planned for Pep Guardiola's men as Matty Cash scored for Villa in the 37th minute, and Philippe Coutinho extended the lead in the 69th minute. Coincidentally, Ilkay Gundogan replaced Bernardo Silva just one minute before Villa's second goal. Man City's title contender Liverpool was playing Wolves at the same time and they were held to a 1-1 draw after 70 minutes.

Run it back. ⏪@IlkayGuendogan's return to @ManCity has got us thinking about his iconic super-sub performance to help win the 2021/22 title 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ENkxMiRUnQ

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2024

What happened afterward will always be written in golden words in the Premier League's history. It was Ilkay Gundogan who scored City's first goal in the 76th minute as his powerful header went in. Just two minutes later, Rodri placed a powerful strike to level the scoreline by 2-2 and City was back on top of the table.

𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 🏆 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/DSU9p1cmcO

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) May 29, 2022

It did not take much time for Gundogan to score his second and City's third as he put the ball inside with a close-range tap-in to almost win the league for City! The match eventually ended as City won the game by 3-2 and clinched their fourth consecutive PL title, all thanks to the German's magic after coming off the bench. 

Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 

(Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, 1998-99 UCL Final)

The world witnessed one of the greatest UCL finals ever on 27 May 1999 when Manchester United and Bayern Munich faced off for the coveted glory. Manchester United won the game by 2-1 in such an otherworldly manner that it still mesmerizes the next generation, and everything happened because of two substitute players, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Bayern Munich took an early by scoring in the 6th minute of the match. Manchester United could not break the deadlock and headed into the break trailing 0-1. Teddy Sheringham replaced Jesper Blomqvist in the 67th minute and Solskjaer was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Andy Cole in the 81st minute. 

On this day in 1999, Manchester United completed the historic treble after scoring two injury time goals to beat Bayern Munich! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/odhsJL5BqG

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 26, 2021

The game was in favour of Bayern even after 90 minutes but Sheringham slotted the ball home in just one minute into the injury time to equalize for the Red Devils. Solskjaer achieved the final glory with a simple tap-in only after two minutes, and thus the two substitutes led United to the Champions League victory.

Real Madrid is widely regarded as the most successful club in European football having won the UEFA Champions League trophies 15 times, 36 La Liga titles, and 20 Copa del Rey and others. Behind these stellar titles that have defined the club are players who were acquired by the club with good money. Let's dive into their top 5 most expensive signings.

5. Aurelien Tchouameni | €80M | 2022/2023

Born in France on January 27, 2000, to Cameroonian parents, Aurélien Tchouaméni primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, though he occasionally fills in as a centre-back. His career gained momentum at Bordeaux, where he made his first-team debut on July 26, 2018, in a Europa League qualifier against Latvian club Ventspils.

After showcasing his talents at Bordeaux, Tchouaméni transferred to Monaco on January 29, 2020. During his time there, he made 74 appearances and netted five goals, establishing himself as a promising talent in French football.

In 2022, Real Madrid sought to strengthen their midfield following Casemiro’s imminent move to Manchester United. Tchouaméni, with his blend of youth and skill, was an ideal replacement. His transfer came at a hefty price, with the fee reportedly starting at €80 million and potentially rising to €100 million with add-ons. Since joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni has proven his worth, helping the club secure the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and La Liga titles.

Read Also: "I didn't set a date or a deadline": Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against Bolivia

4. Cristiano Ronaldo | €94M | 2009/2010

Considered one of the greatest footballers of the 21st century, Cristiano Ronaldo began his senior career at Sporting CP before joining Manchester United in 2003. During his time at United, he helped secure three consecutive Premier League titles in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Ronaldo was also instrumental in Manchester United's 2008 Champions League triumph over Chelsea, a performance that earned him his first Ballon d'Or that same year at just 23 years old. 

Following the completion of the 2008/09 season, Real Madrid pursued the young superstar, who had helped United reach two consecutive Champions League finals, though they lost in 2009 to a dominant Barcelona side. His transfer to Real Madrid in a deal worth €94 million (£80 million) set a world record transfer fee at the time.

At Madrid, Ronaldo formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, playing a key role in the club's four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018. He won the Ballon d'Or twice more in 2013 and 2014, and again in 2016 and 2017, solidifying his legacy as one of football's all-time greats.

Read Also: FC Barcelona's Top 5 most expensive signings of all-time

3. Gareth Bale | €94M | 2013/2014

A former Welsh International most renowned for playing for Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur. He is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest Welsh and British players of all time.

Gareth Bale began his professional journey at Southampton, where he initially played as a left-back before securing a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2007. Under coach Harry Redknapp in the course of the 2009–10 season, Bale transitioned into a winger and became a key player for the team.

His performances earned him numerous individual accolades, including two PFA Players' Player of the Year awards and three PFA Team of the Year selections. In the 2012–13 season, Bale made history by winning both the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards, becoming only the second Premier League player to achieve this, after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006–07.

In September 2013, Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a then-record transfer fee of £85.1 million (€100.8 million). Teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, this frontline led Real Madrid to major successes, including winning the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in 2014, with Bale scoring in both finals

His run outside the throwing line to shrug off Dani Alves and score will go down as one of the greatest goals in Copa del Rey history.

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2. Jude Bellingham | €103M | 2023/2024

Jude Bellingham began his football career at Birmingham City as an 8-year-old, he made history as the club’s youngest-ever first-team player, debuting at just 16 years and 38 days old in August 2019.

During the 2019–20 season, he became part of the first team. In July 2020, he made a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund, where he quickly made an impact, becoming the club's youngest-ever goalscorer in his debut match against third-division MSV Duisburg in the German Cup. 

Over three seasons, Bellingham made 132 appearances, securing the DFB-Pokal in 2020–21. His stellar performances during the 2022–23 season, which saw Dortmund finish as Bundesliga runners-up, earned him the prestigious Bundesliga Player of the Season award.

On June 14, 2023, Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham on a six-year contract. Borussia Dortmund agreed to a transfer fee of €103 million, which could increase by 30% to around €133.9 million with performance-based add-ons. Bellingham became the sixth English player to join Real Madrid in the modern professional era.

Bellingham won the Champions League, La Liga, and the UEFA Super Cup last season. He ended the domestic season as Real Madrid's top league scorer with 19 goals and 6 assists as they won the La Liga title, a performance that earned him the La Liga Player of the Season award.

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1. Eden Hazard | €121M | 2019/2020

Born on January 7, 1991, Eden Hazard is a retired Belgian professional footballer who played as a winger or attacking midfielder. Throughout his career, he represented  Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, as well as the Belgium national team.

Renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills and creativity, Hazard is one of the greatest wingers to play in the EPL. Eden Hazard began his senior career with Ligue 1 club Lille in 2007 at 16 years old he immediately established himself as a key player under manager Rudi Garcia.

In his first full season, he became the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. He made history by winning the award again the following season, becoming the first player to achieve this twice.

During the 2010–11 campaign, Hazard played a pivotal role in Lille’s domestic success, securing a league and cup double. His outstanding performances earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, making him the youngest player to win it at 20 years old. 

Eden Hazard joined Chelsea in June 2012, making an immediate impact by winning the UEFA Europa League in his debut season. In his second year, he was named PFA Young Player of the Year. During the 2014–15 campaign, Hazard played a key role in helping Chelsea secure the Premier League title and the Football League Cup.

In the summer of 2019, Eden Hazard completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of up to €150 million, making it one of the most expensive transfers in football history.

However, his time at the club was marred by frequent injuries, inconsistent performances, and fitness challenges, which limited his appearances. After playing only a handful of matches, Hazard left Real Madrid in June 2023 and announced his retirement from professional football four months later.