Top five greatest players to wear Real Madrid’s no 9 shirt

Real Madrid have had many iconic No. 9’s over the years.

The striker of the team is usually the player wearing the number 9 kit. This player is the main powerhouse and source of goals in any team. The team mainly relies on him to make threatening runs, be in the right place at the right time and score consistently and clinically.

Real Madrid, one of the greatest clubs in the world, have had numerous iconic players wear the No. 9 jersey over the years.

Let’s take a look at the top five greatest Real Madrid players to wear the No. 9 kit.

5. Santillana

Back in 1984, club president Santiago Bernabeu went to watch a match of Racing Santander to scout a defender. It was on that occasion that Real Madrid found a gem in the talent of Santillana. Santillana was a forward who ended up retiring in 1988. Back then he was the second-highest goalscorer for Real Madrid behind Alfredo Di Stefano.

Santillana garnered 645 caps for Los Blancos in which he scored 290 goals. He was a prolific and clinical goalscorer often known for his crucial match-winning moments in the 80s and 90s. Overall, he won nine LaLiga titles and four Spanish Cups at the club.

4. Ronaldo Nazario

“El Fenomeno” is one of the greatest footballers of all time. Ronaldo Nazario was a very skilled striker and proved his instant impact when he came to Real Madrid. Ronaldo Nazario came from FC Barcelona. He did not have any issues in performing and winning titles for Los Blancos.

Injuries hindered the infamous “R9’s” career including his period with Real Madrid. However, he scored in just 61 seconds in his first game for the Spanish giants.

Overall Nazario scored 104 goals in 177 appearances which spanned over five seasons, winning two LaLiga titles in the process.

3. Hugo Sanchez

Legendary Mexican striker, Hugo Sanchez had proven himself to be an elite player whilst at Atletico Madrid. However, his career at Real Madrid took him to the next level.

Hugo Sanchez came and faced competition from other great strikers such as Butragueno and Santillana. Despite this intense competition, Hugo Sanchez went on to become the club’s main striker during that era. In seven seasons, Hugo Sanchez won five LaLiga titles, one Copa Del Rey, three Spanish SuperCopas and one UEFA Cup. Sanchez scored 208 goals in 292 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions.

2. Alfredo Di Stefano

The only player ever to win a Super Ballon d’Or. Alfredo Di Stefano led Real Madrid in an era where they were extremely dominant. During this era, Real Madrid won five consecutive European Cups. Di Stefano was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1957 for his accolades and contributions to the team.

Alfredo Di Stefano scored at least a goal in each of the five European Cup finals he played in. Overall, he scored 308 goals in 396 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. Di Stefano is arguably one of the best players for the club and an all-time legend of the game as well.

1. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema had always scored goals consistently for Real Madrid throughout his career. Much of his performances over the years were overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. After Ronaldo’s departure and Bale’s drop in form, Benzema stepped up as he always did and took his game to the next level.

Benzema’s best season was at Real Madrid in the 2021/2022 season. Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League title and LaLiga title, and much of it was because of the French forward’s crucial performances. He even scored back-to-back hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea in the 2021/2022 UCL to help Real Madrid make a commendable comeback and reach the semi-finals.

Eventually, Benzema scored a brace over two legs in the semi-finals against Manchester City and helped them win the final against Liverpool. Overall, Karim Benzema was not just a poacher. He was a very creative player and was great in link-up plays.

Karim Benzema has scored 354 goals and has 165 assists for Real Madrid across all competitions. Benzema is the second-highest top scorer and top assister for Real Madrid in their history.

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