4: Raymond Kopa (1956-1959)
A name that can quite easily get lost with the countless number of stars the club has featured over the years, Raymond Kopa, known fondly as “Little Napoleon” due to his French heritage, was an integral part of a Real Madrid side which dominated the 1950s.
In just three seasons with the club, the winger made 101 appearances and contributed 30 goals. He also played a key hand in helping the team complete the rare feat of winning three European Cups on the trot, while also securing two La Liga titles as well.
While he initially played as a central midfielder during his time with his former French club, Reims, he was quickly transitioned into a more attacking right-wing role to lend some balance to a team that contained former greats in Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo Di Stefano.
In his new position, the Frenchman was given vast territory to make dribbles from the right, or simply create space by allowing his fellow attacking players into the area to create some confusion for the opposition’s defence.
He was very much the prototype of Zinedine Zidane in the grace he brought to the game, and his ability to keep a ball after many a challenge. His play was so remarkable at times that he managed to secure a Ballon d’Or for his scintillating performance in the 1957-58 season.