Ranking the 5 best free-agent signings in Real Madrid history

2. Steve McManaman

The scorer of the goal that won Real Madrid their eighth European Cup, Steve Mcmanaman, the free agent who arrived from Liverpool, scored a goal that would forever be engraved in the history of Real Madrid. McManaman scored a fierce volley in a 3-0 thrashing of Valencia. With the win he also became the first Englishman to have won the competition with a foreign club.

McManaman was an instant hit among the Bernabeu faithful. And, although he was rumored to transfer away from the Spanish Capital with bids reported from clubs like Chelsea, Mcmanaman refused to leave for his love of the supporters. Even with the inception of the Galacticos policy, Mcmanaman’s playing was cut short with high-profile players like Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane taking charge of the midfield.

Mcmanaman’s versatility still meant that he’d put in an effort to win back his place, he continued being a motivated competitor to these midfield superstars and continued putting in marquee performances every once in a while. Although his natural position was on the right of the midfield, he could put in a decent shift anywhere in midfield.

An absolute fan favorite and a player known for his gentlemanly behavior on and off the pitch, the versatile Englishman’s time with the Royal White Club accounted for two European Cups, one European Supercup, one Intercontinental Cup, two LaLiga titles, and one Supercopa de Espana. A true legend!