Real Madrid: Ranking the 5 best goalkeepers in club history

2. Ricardo Zamora

Ricardo Zamora, nicknamed El Divino played for Real Madrid between 1930 and 1936. A Catalan by birth, he had featured for Espanyol and FC Barcelona before he made his move to the capital. He was noted for wearing a cloth cap and a white jumper with a Polo neck whenever on the field. His testimonies later revealed that it was supposed to protect him from the sun and his opponents.

Known for his athleticism, sharp reflexes, and accurate handling between the sticks, he was elected the best Spanish Goal-keeper, fourth-best in Europe, and fifth-best in the world in 1999. He also made it into the list of the greatest players of the twentieth century, curated by World Soccer Magazine. The trophy for the best goalkeeper in LaLiga, is named after him – the Ricardo Zamora Trophy.

Zamora tasted quick success. His first league title came in the 1931-32 season, which they retained through 33-34 season. In 1934, Francisco Bru took over and led Zamora and co. to two back-to-back Copa de Espana titles. The final in 1936 was particularly memorable when a 10-man Los Blancos side beat Barca 2-1.

Zamora was also a country-legend. He remained the most capped player of his time until being surpassed by Jose Angel Iribar. He makes it into the list based on his decorations. To have a trophy in LaLiga named after you isn’t an ordinary feat. He is well and truly a legend between the sticks.