Top 10 most expensive transfers in Real Madrid’s history

Jude Bellingham becomes the latest inductee into the elite list of players

In the present time, football clubs have been spending huge sums of money on players. In each successive transfer window, records are made regarding transfers and signings. The European clubs are in front when it comes to spending money.

There is no denying that Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in world football, with over 90 trophies won in their history. They never shied away from spending big money on star players in the transfer market. It was none other than Real Madrid that started the culture of star signings. They were nicknamed ‘Los Galacticos’ because they used to bring at least one big superstar in every summer transfer window between 2000 and 2006. But with that attitude comes a lot of money spent and plenty of risks, and not every deal turns out to be an unmitigated success.

And now, in the summer of 2023, Madrid has already broken the bank for another mega-money signing as they confirmed the signing of now-former Borussia Dortmund player Jude Bellingham.

10 most expensive transfers in Real Madrid's history

10. Luis Figo - €60m (from Barcelona, 2000)

This was one of the most controversial transfers in football history. The Portuguese superstar made a highly controversial switch from Barcelona to their rival. Real Madrid signed him for a then-world-record fee of €60 million. Perez, as soon as he became the president of Real Madrid, signed him as the next superstar of Madrid. This transfer was so controversial that even a documentary has been made about it.

9. Luka Jovic - €60m (from Eintracht Frankfurt, 2019)

This was one of the most failed signings in Real Madrid's history. The Serbian striker was signed to be a backup striker. At that time, every major club was after him during that summer. Real Madrid splashed €60 million on the young forward in order to bring him back from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019. He failed to impress at the Bernabeu and was offloaded to Fiorentina in the 2022 summer transfer window for free.

8. Kaka - €67m (from AC Milan, 2009)

The Galacticos era started at the club, and the signing of the Brazilian midfielder was the second attempt of that era. He arrived the same summer as Cristiano Ronaldo, but a series of injuries restricted the Brazil star to just 85 La Liga starts in four years, with 23 goals signalling a decline from his near 'one in two' record at AC Milan. Kaka’s legacy at Real Madrid was not as charming compared to the price tag.

7. James Rodriguez -  €75m (from Monaco, 2014)

Madrid decided to sign him after his incredible individual performance for Colombia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. James signed during Ancelotti's first Madrid stint and immediately proved his worth with 24 goals in 29 league games. His career at Real Madrid did not last as expected because he was not included in the plans of then-manager Zidane. His career declined afterwards, and currently, he is not a player as he once was.

6. Zinedine Zidane - €77.5m (from Juventus, 2001)

One of the most beloved players in the world, Zinedine Zidane, arrived at Santiago Bernabeu after a blockbuster move from Juventus for a then-world record fee of €77.50 million. Zidane earned himself legendary status in his five years at the club. The former Ballon d'Or winner won six trophies during his time at Real Madrid, including the UEFA Champions League. Zidane's performance in 2003 saw him win the Best FIFA Men's Player award. Then, as a manager as well, he won three consecutive Champions Leagues.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo - €94m (from Manchester United, 2010)

Here comes the greatest player in the history of Real Madrid. A supreme talent that emerged at Manchester United and was given the platform to make football history for the Spanish giants. The Portuguese legend won it all. After chasing him for two years, Real Madrid eventually got Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a then-world-record €94 million. The Portuguese attacker paid back a lot more to the club as compared to his price tag.

4. Aurelien Tchouameni - €100m (from Monaco, 2022)

Real Madrid were blessed with a legendary midfield trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric for a long time. However, it was necessary to find replacements for them in the future. Real was searching for a defensive midfielder in the summer of 2022 and therefore signed Aurelien Tchouameni. When he joined the club, he had not played a minute of Champions League football and had only made a handful of appearances for the France national team. He can be the next big thing for Los Angeles.

3. Gareth Bale - €101m (from Tottenham, 2014)

It was habitual for Real Madrid to break their transfer record in successive years. Real Madrid signed Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014 for a hefty price of €101 million. Gareth Bale may not have gotten the fairytale ending that so many legends are accustomed to receiving, but history will be kind to the Welshman's achievements in Madrid.

The Welshman was a crucial part of the legendary attacking trio of the BBC, which included Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Bale definitely justified his price tag at Real Madrid, but he did not reach his full potential due to injuries.

2. Jude Bellingham - €103m (from Borussia Dortmund, 2023)

Liverpool and Madrid were both trying their best to get Jude, who is a very young and very talented player. Finally, Real Madrid came out on top as they signed the young Englishman from German giants Borussia Dortmund for €103 million. Unfortunately, he was not able to win the league for Dortmund, but he definitely has to play a key role in Madrid to be able to achieve something.

1. Eden Hazard - €115m (from Chelsea, 2019)

The most expensive as well as the worst signing by Real Madrid. It was a dream move for Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard in 2019, as Real Madrid shattered all their previous transfer records and signed him for €115 million. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned.

Hazard, who was one of the best players in the Premier League, was not able to get a place in the Real Madrid starting 11. He spent the majority of his time on the bench, as he was either injured or unfit to play. He can be the next Ronaldo for Madrid, but unfortunately, he never performed at that level.