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After two brief stints as a director and an election-time defeat to Luis de Carlos, Ramón Mendoza's became president of Real Madrid in 1985, ushering in the dawn of a new era in the history of the club.
La Quinta del Buitre
Further information: Quinta del Buitre
"La Quinta del Buitre" was the name given by Spanish sport journalist Julio César Iglesias to the five homegrown Real Madrid players who were at the core of the team that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s. The name, meaning "Vulture's Cohort" in English, was derived from the nickname given to its most charismatic member, Emilio Butragueño. The other four members included Manolo Sanchís, Martín Vázquez, Míchel and Miguel Pardeza.
Sanchís and Martín Vázquez were the first to play for the first team of Real Madrid, making their debut at Murcia on 4 December 1983 under coach Alfredo Di Stéfano. Both played surprisingly well, with Sanchís scoring the game's winner. A few months later, on 5 February 1984, Butragueño debuted in an away match at Cádiz. El Buitre was an instant sensation and scored twice. Pardeza was added to the first team that same season and Míchel followed at the start of the next.
With La Quinta del Buitre (reduced to four members when Pardeza left the club for Zaragoza in 1986), Real Madrid had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe during the second half of the 1980s, winning, amongst others, two UEFA Cups and five Spanish championships in a row. Their record was only blemished by their failure to win the European Cup, and their continued abject defeats against the far superior Milan side of the time.
Martín Vázquez went to play for Torino in 1990, later returning to Madrid in 1992 only to leave again in 1995 for Deportivo de La Coruña. Butragueño left the club in 1995 and Míchel in 1996, both joining Atlético Celaya in Mexico.
Sanchís was the only member of La Quinta to play his entire career with Madrid. By winning the Champions League twice (in 1998 and 2000), he accomplished what La Quinta had failed to achieve in its glory days. He retired in 2001 as the last active member of the famous cohort at the age of 37.
THE SANZ ERA (1995 - 2000)
The Sanz era (1995–2000)
2000 UEFA Champions League Final starting lineup
After ten-and-a-half years in office, Ramón Mendoza handed in his irrevocable resignation on 20 November 1995. He was relieved by Lorenzo Sanz, who held recourse to Club by-law 49 to get elected as heir to Mendoza by the 11 directors who continued on the Board of Directors following the transfer of power. On 20 May 1996, Lorenzo Sanz presented Fabio Capello as new head coach of Real Madrid. The Italian trainer landed in Madrid borne out by his five successful seasons with Milan (with whom he won the 1994 Champions League) to replace Arsenio Iglesias, who managed the team on a temporary basis after coach Jorge Valdano resigned. Although winning the league, however, Capello left Madrid after just one season, saying years later did so because he did not settle at Madrid as well as he would have wanted; he returned to Milan.
Replacing Capello was the German Jupp Heynckes, who led the team to win the much-awaited Champions League/European Cup title, the team's last having come in 1966. In the Final, held at the Amsterdam Arena on 20 May 1998, the Merengues conquered their seventh top European trophy with a goal by Pedja Mijatović against Juventus, who were the favourites on the night. Despite conquering Europe, Heynckes was fired at the end of the year and replaced by José Antonio Camacho, who himself resigned just months later in July 1998 before the actual season even began. The team then hired Guus Hiddink to take the reins of the squad, his first challenge being the 1998 Intercontinental Cup. An extraordinary goal by Raúl in Tokyo sealed a 2–1 end result for Los Blancos over Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. Hiddink, however, was fired just after less than a season, with the Welshman John Toshack replacing him in February 1999. Nine months later, during the 1999–2000 season, Toshack was also fired, the seventh coaching change in just three years.
Under the guidance of new manager Vicente del Bosque, Real Madrid claimed their eighth European Cup/Champions League title. The Final, held at the newly built Stade de France in Paris, would host the competition's (including the European Cup era) first-ever Spanish final, pitting Madrid against Valencia on 24 May 2000. The game Madrid comfortably defeat Los Che 3–0, with goals coming from Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman and Raúl.
THE GALACTICOS ERA
In July 2000, Florentino Pérez was elected club president, vowing to erase the club's debt and modernise the club's facilities, though the primary electoral promise that propelled Pérez to victory was the signing of then-Barcelona star Luís Figo. During the campaign, Pérez claimed he had an agreement with the Portuguese winger that would see Figo move to the Bernabéu should Pérez be elected. On July 16, Pérez won the election and indeed, eight days later, Figo was presented with the number 10 shirt for Madrid.
Days later, surrounded by controversy, Real Madrid idol Fernando Redondo, who had openly supported Pérez's opponent Lorenzo Sanz, was sold to Italian giants Milan. During the summer of 2000, Real Madrid signed Claude Makélélé, Albert Celades, Flávio Conceição, César Sánchez, Pedro Munitis and Santiago Solari, although aside from Makélélé and Conceição, the rest had been signed prior to the election of Pérez. Expectations were high as Los Blancos began the 2000–01 season with the possibility of winning five trophies. The club, however, stumbled at the first test, losing the 2000 UEFA Super Cup by a score of 1–2 to 2000 UEFA Cup champions Galatasaray. Later, an injury to Fernando Morientes left Real Madrid without a centre forward, but manager Vicente del Bosque improvised by using youth team graduate Guti in the role, with Real Madrid coping and making good start to both their domestic and European campaigns. They were, however, defeated 2–0 at the Camp Nou against rivals Barcelona and were later eliminated from the Copa del Rey by lowly Toledo, as well as losing the Intercontinental Cup final to a Boca Juniors side led by Martín Palermo and Juan Román Riquelme.
Nonetheless, Real Madrid recovered form and went top of the league table in mid-January, a position they would not relinquish on their way to ultimately winning the title. Madrid also advanced from the second group stage of the Champions League to face Galatasaray in the quarter-finals. Los Merengues lost the first leg in Istanbul 3–2, but recovered to win the tie after a 3–0 victory at the Bernabéu. This would then set-up a replay of the 1999–2000 Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. This year, however, Real Madrid would not reach the final, losing 1–3 on aggregate to the eventual champions. Despite the setback, on 26 May, Madrid would crown themselves champions of the first division with an emphatic 5–0 win over Alavés at the Bernabéu. Two goals by Raúl and one each by Guti, Fernando Hierro and Iván Helguera would ensure victory and Real Madrid's 28th league title with two matches left to play.
After reaching an agreement to re-zone and sell the Ciudad Deportiva, Pérez went on to sign Zinedine Zidane in 2001, Ronaldo in 2002 and David Beckham in 2003. The media began referring to the team as "Los Galácticos". The strategy, initially dubbed "Zidanes y Pavones", meant to integrate world stars and youth team graduates together on the squad. It is debatable whether the gamble paid off, as despite winning the UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup in 2002, followed by La Liga in 2003, the club failed to win a major trophy for the next three seasons. Off the field, the Zidanes y Pavones policy resulted in increased financial success based on the exploitation of the club's high marketing potential around the world, particularly in Asia.
LUIS FIGO
Luis Figo's tenure at Real Madrid, from 2000 to 2005, stands out as a significant period in both his career and the club's illustrious history. Figo's transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in the summer of 2000 was one of the most controversial and high-profile moves in football history, igniting intense emotions among fans and reshaping the dynamics of El Clásico.
Figo joined Real Madrid for a then world-record transfer fee of €60 million, symbolizing the beginning of the Galácticos era under President Florentino Pérez. This strategy aimed to assemble a team of world-class superstars, and Figo's arrival was a cornerstone of this vision. Despite the hostility from Barcelona fans, including the infamous "Pig's Head Incident" during his return to Camp Nou, Figo quickly established himself as a crucial player for Los Blancos.
On the pitch, Figo's impact was immediate. His exceptional dribbling, vision, and crossing ability made him a key figure in Real Madrid's attack. In his debut season (2000-2001), Figo helped Madrid win La Liga, demonstrating his worth and silencing some of the critics. His influence continued to grow, and in 2002, he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's triumph in the UEFA Champions League, securing their ninth European title. His contributions in the midfield, alongside other Galácticos like Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos, were instrumental in this success.
Figo's individual accolades while at Real Madrid include winning the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award. During his five-year spell at the club, he made 245 appearances, scored 56 goals, and provided numerous assists, cementing his legacy as one of the club's greats.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Figo's transfer and subsequent success at Real Madrid had a lasting impact on football, highlighting the sport's increasing commercialism and the intense rivalry between the two Spanish giants. His time at Real Madrid remains a testament to his skill, professionalism, and ability to thrive under immense pressure.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Zinedine Zidane's tenure at Real Madrid as a player, from 2001 to 2006, is remembered as one of the most iconic periods in both his career and the club's history. Zidane joined Real Madrid from Juventus for a then world-record fee of €77.5 million, becoming a pivotal part of the Galácticos era under President Florentino Pérez. His arrival brought immense skill, creativity, and flair to an already star-studded squad.
Zidane's impact on the team was immediate and profound. Known for his exquisite ball control, vision, and passing, he quickly became the creative heartbeat of the midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and produce moments of magic made him a fan favorite and a crucial player for Los Blancos.
One of Zidane's most memorable moments came in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen. With the score tied at 1-1, Zidane scored one of the most iconic goals in football history—a stunning left-footed volley from the edge of the box that secured a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid and their ninth European Cup. This goal epitomized Zidane's elegance and technical brilliance and remains a defining moment of his playing career.
During his five years at Real Madrid, Zidane won several major trophies, including one La Liga title (2002-03), two Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Champions League (2001-02), one UEFA Super Cup, and one Intercontinental Cup. He made 225 appearances for the club, scoring 49 goals and providing numerous assists.
Zidane's influence extended beyond his technical abilities. His leadership, professionalism, and calm demeanor on the pitch earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. His performances often inspired those around him, contributing to the overall success of the team during his tenure.
Zidane retired from professional football in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance at Real Madrid. His time as a player at the club is remembered for his exceptional skill, unforgettable moments, and significant contributions to one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid's storied history.
RONALDO
Luiz Ronaldo, commonly known as Ronaldo or "O Fenômeno," had a memorable tenure at Real Madrid from 2002 to 2007, where he further cemented his status as one of football's greatest strikers. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan for a transfer fee of approximately €46 million, becoming a key figure in the Galácticos era, which featured other superstars like Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, and David Beckham.
Ronaldo's debut for Real Madrid was nothing short of spectacular. On October 6, 2002, he scored two goals just minutes after coming on as a substitute against Alavés, instantly winning the hearts of the fans at the Santiago Bernabéu. His incredible speed, technical ability, and clinical finishing made him a formidable force in La Liga and European competitions.
During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo made 177 appearances and scored 104 goals, averaging more than a goal every two games. His prolific scoring helped Real Madrid secure several major trophies. Notably, Ronaldo played a crucial role in winning the La Liga title in the 2002-03 season, finishing as the league's top scorer with 23 goals. He also contributed to Real Madrid's victories in the Spanish Super Cup (2003) and the Intercontinental Cup (2002).
Ronaldo's individual accolades during his stint at Real Madrid included winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2002, his third such honor, and the prestigious Pichichi Trophy as La Liga's top scorer. His performances were marked by his ability to score spectacular goals, often turning matches in Real Madrid's favor with his sheer brilliance.
Despite struggles with injuries that hampered his consistency, Ronaldo's impact on Real Madrid was profound. His tenure at the club is remembered for his extraordinary skill, memorable goals, and the excitement he brought to the pitch. Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid left an indelible mark on the club's history, showcasing his legendary status in the world of football.
DAVID BECKHAM
David Beckham's tenure at Real Madrid, spanning from 2003 to 2007, was a significant period both for the player and the club. Beckham joined Real Madrid from Manchester United for a transfer fee of approximately €35 million, becoming one of the iconic Galácticos under President Florentino Pérez, alongside stars like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Luís Figo.
Beckham's arrival in Madrid was marked by immense media attention and high expectations. Known for his exceptional crossing, free-kick ability, and work ethic, Beckham brought a unique skill set to Real Madrid's midfield. He made his debut on August 24, 2003, in a Spanish Super Cup match against Mallorca, where he scored, helping Real Madrid secure the trophy.
On the field, Beckham quickly established himself as a key player, contributing with his precise passing and set-piece expertise. His versatility allowed him to play in various midfield roles, often on the right flank but also in central positions. Despite his individual brilliance, Beckham's early years at Real Madrid were marked by the team's struggle to translate their star power into consistent success.
During his four seasons with the club, Beckham made 155 appearances and scored 20 goals. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's La Liga triumph in the 2006-07 season, his final year at the club. This title was particularly significant as it ended a four-year domestic trophy drought and showcased Beckham's resilience and determination.
Off the field, Beckham's global celebrity status helped Real Madrid expand its brand internationally, attracting new fans and sponsorships. His professionalism and dedication also earned him respect in the dressing room and among supporters.
Beckham's time at Real Madrid concluded with his move to the LA Galaxy in 2007. His tenure at the club is remembered for his contributions on the pitch, his role in the Galácticos era, and his impact on Real Madrid's global reach. Beckham's legacy at Real Madrid remains one of both footballing quality and significant cultural influence.