Ranking the top 10 captains in Real Madrid history

2. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos paved his way seamlessly by imbibing his print as a consistent defender. Signed in 2005 from FC Sevilla for €27.00 million, the Spaniard’s personality on the pitch matched his man-marking abilities, artistic duels and the understanding that developed to be noteworthy. On the one hand, Sergio Ramos became a consistent starter for the club, an unfailing support system for the Spanish national. He became a formidable leader, consistently guided by his procedure Iker Casillas as the caption at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Sergio Ramos was the club captain from 2015 to 2021. Without hesitation, the defender was trusted with the captain’s armband after his mentor, Iker Casillas, spent his last season at Real Madrid as a captain in 2015. Ramos brought back the UEFA champions league for three consecutive seasons under the managerial regime of Zinedine Zidane. This is paired alongside four club world cup wins, two domestic league titles, three UEFA Supercups and two Spanish Supercups.

As a trusted mentor, the Spanish player also made it to the UEFA Champions League squad of the year twice and earned the win of being the defender of the year at Los Blancos. The player’s armband was relinquished as his reign ended in Spain over contract renewal concerns which resulted in his departure to Paris Saint Germain in 2021 on a free transfer. El Capitan is the gladiator Real Madrid witnessed building because of his abilities and the clubs’ philosophy.

Ramos’s synergy was unmatched at the club. His performance not only pushed the squad every game he played but also brought so many trophies to the club’s heritage. His persona brought tremendous passion to the dressing room and brought the team closer every moment.

1. Manolo Sanchís

Manolo Sanchís played with Real from 1983 to 2001. A phenomenal stopper rose to the ranks and became the club captain from 1988 until 2001. He hung the boots for good in 2001 and retired as a captain for the club. The Spanish centre-back was a versatile player whose defensive abilities and captain armband brought notable laurels such as two UEFA Champions League trophies, five domestic league titles, three Spanish Cups, five Spanish super cups and the Intercontinental Cup.

His stint as a Spanish defender at a Spanish club individually helped him earn the Spanish player of the year before he was handed over the responsibility as a club captain in 1988. Manolo Sanchís not only was a player that understood why the club trusted him, but his career at Real Madrid shows that the badge helped him have a fabulous career as a player for the Spanish national team.

The Spanish defender could play in any defensive position throughout to help him oscillate, form a team who can dictate the pace to score and prevent conceding recklessly. This influence from Sanchís not only puts the goalkeeper at bay but also helps the starting eleven understand how his captaincy can reassure them that winning and performing the entire match can be done consistently. His presence is reinforced when moments of polarity present themselves.

This list emphasizes how, in the history of Real Madrid, captains have been diverse and inclusive and left necessary annotation for the future to adapt to continually. The future captains always have the inspiration to embark on as they operate with the management and the squad and touch base on winning for the club.