Top eight most attended player presentations in football history

These players received a warm welcome from their fans post-transfer

When a club secures a high-profile signing, fans come together to create unforgettable welcomes for their new heroes. From the thunderous applause echoing through the stadium to the chants and cheers, these historic occasions capture the essence of the beautiful game.

In the world of football, player receptions are moments of immense anticipation and excitement. As the player steps onto the pitch amidst a sea of fervent fans, the roar of the masses becomes a memory, writing history for years to come. These monumental football players serve as a sign of the devotion and adoration that fans have for their clubs and the players who wear their jerseys.

8. James Rodriguez – 45,000 fans (Real Madrid)

In 2014, James Rodriguez’s transfer to Real Madrid ignited a wave of excitement among football fans worldwide. The Colombian playmaker’s arrival at the Bernabeu Stadium for his official presentation captured the attention of both supporters and the media. The player reception for Rodriguez was a spectacle of pure admiration, a celebration of his remarkable talent, and an anticipation of the impact he would make on the pitch.

The atmosphere was electric, with an estimated crowd of over 45,000 fervent supporters filling the legendary stadium. The chants of “James, James” throughout the stadium showcased the instant connection he made with Real Madrid. The reception was based on the belief that Rodriguez would help Real Madrid attack in the third and add a different dimension to their style of play.

7. Kaka – 50,000 fans (Real Madrid)

In the summer of 2009, Real Madrid made a blockbuster signing that sent shockwaves through the football world. The acquisition of Brazilian superstar Kaka from AC Milan was made official in front of 50,000 fans. As Kaka made his way to the Bernabeu for his official presentation, the stage was set for an unforgettable player reception.

Fans recognised his unique abilities as a playmaker, his elegance on the ball, and his ability to dictate the tempo of a match. They understood that Kaka’s arrival marked a significant turning point for the club, symbolising Real Madrid’s unwavering pursuit of success. The fans embraced him as a hero, somebody who was capable of winning trophies with his presence on the field.

6. Neymar – 57,000 (Barcelona)

Neymar’s move to Barcelona was incredibly intricate. Only years later, following numerous legal actions, were the hazy maths behind the sale revealed, and the real cost of the Brazilian’s transfer turned out to be around £72.4 million, nearly double the amount Barcelona had initially quoted.

On June 4, 2013, Neymar officially joined Barcelona after turning down Chelsea’s approaches and breaking a previous deal to relocate to Spain in 2014. In front of 57,000 Barcelona supporters, the Brazilian wore the Blaugrana shirt less than 48 hours after torturing England during a friendly at the Maracana. He executed a brilliant series of keepy-uppies.

5. Carlos Tevez – 60,000 fans (Boca Juniors)

In 2015, one of the most beloved figures in Argentine football, Carlos Tevez, returned to his boyhood club, Boca Juniors, after a successful stint in Europe, where he played for top clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, and other European clubs. The player reception that awaited him at La Bombonera Stadium was nothing short of extraordinary.

The reception for Tevez was a testament to the deep connection he shared with the Boca Juniors faithful. The passion that was displayed during the player reception exemplified the bond between Tevez and the Boca Juniors supporters. For them, he was not just a player; he was an embodiment of their dreams and aspirations.

4. Zlatan Ibramovich – 60,000 fans (Barcelona)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic described the sense of relief he felt after his exit from Inter Milan was confirmed in 2009, when he was introduced to the biggest Barcelona audience ever to attend a player unveiling.

Following an incredible start to his career in Catalonia, which included a run of 11 goals in his first 13 LaLiga games, the glitz of his new home started to wear off. Ibrahimovic was frequently moved to the wing to make room for Lionel Messi after he notoriously fell out with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola. Zlatan returned to Italy less than a year after leaving Serie A, joining AC Milan, Inter’s neighbours.

3. Diego Maradona – 75,000 fans (Napoli)

Diego Maradona’s arrival at Napoli in 1984 marked a mesmerising display of love from 75,000 Napoli fans. It was a historic moment for both the player and the club. As the Argentine maestro prepared to embark on his journey with the Italian side, his player reception unfolded as an awe-inspiring spectacle of passion and devotion.

The reception for the Argentine was a mesmerising display of love and admiration, and joy from a fanbase hungry for success and desperate to witness their club’s rise to glory. At that moment, the entire city of Naples seemed to unite in support of their new talisman. Maradona went on to win the 1989 UEFA Champions League with the Italian club, and in 2020, Napoli’s stadium was renamed the Diego Maradona Stadium.

2. Kylian Mbappe – 80,000 (Real Madrid)

For the better part of two decades, Kylian Mbappe had dreamed of moving to the capital of Spain. At the age of six, a family friend made fun of the Frenchman’s fixation with the club by purchasing a model of the Bernabeu. In response, Mbappe firmly stated,

“No, one day I will take you there.” Waving at the record-tying 80,000, Mbappe proudly displayed the miniature stadium he had held onto for years.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 80,000 fans (Real Madrid)

Whenever Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to a new club was announced, anticipation soared to unparalleled heights. One player’s reception that will forever be etched in football history is the moment he was unveiled before a staggering crowd of 80,000 Real Madrid supporters.

The 80,000 fans in attendance were united in their shared appreciation of Ronaldo’s brilliance. Each voice raised in celebration; it was a moment that Real Madrid fans can never forget. He scored 450 goals in 438 games that he played for Real Madrid, more than any of his goals scored at Manchester United or Sporting, and has been a prolific goal scorer ever since.

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