Real Madrid's Top 5 most expensive signings of all time

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.

Read Also: La Masia dominance: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí achieve a historic feat

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.

Read Also: Ballon d’Or 2024: Goals and assists of every Ballon d’Or winner since 2010

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.