Best players Real Madrid signed after the World Cup

The World Cup is finally upon us. The quadrennial festival is the most watched sporting event on the planet. When the stars assemble, the whole world stops to admire. Players plan their peaks; teams plan their strategies and fans plan their celebrations well in advance. But even the clubs focus closely on every action. More often than not the footballing fraternity finds its new heroes on its grandest stage. Real Madrid have been no different over the years.

Real Madrid are the biggest club in football. And they live up to the tag. They are one of the better managed clubs in the world right now in a changing footballing economy, and their continuous success is proof of that.

Florentino Perez is the man famous for putting together the Galacticos. The Real Madrid president knows all about how to recruit a superstar and not only benefit sportingly but also reap the rewards on the marketing side of things.

Here are few of the Galacticos that Real Madrid have signed over the years on the back of incredible World Cup performances.

Best players Real Madrid signed after the World Cup

2018

Thibaut Courtois – In what was a quiet post World Cup transfer window for Real Madrid, they signed one of the best performers from the tournament in Russia. The Yashin trophy winner for Best Goalkeeper is still the number one in the world and doesn’t look like he will vacate that spot anytime soon.

2014

Toni Kroos – One from the 2014 World Cup champions, Germany, and an absolute bargain. Kroos was amongst the best players of the tournament in Brazil and has been the engine that drives the Real Madrid midfield even eight years later. There were never any doubts about the quality of the German maestro but his two goals in two minutes against Brazil in the semis went a long way in convincing the suitors.

James Rodriguez – The number 10 not only was the Golden Boot winner at the World Cup in Brazil but he was Diego Maradona’s Player of the Tournament ahead of a certain Lionel Messi. The fact that he also scored the Goal of the Tournament was also a clincher. It was such a shame that James could never live up to his potential, despite making a great start in the Royal White jersey as well.

Keylor Navas – A lot of people forget his importance to Real Madrid’s success but not the true fans. He was the foundation of the Champions League threepeat team and won 12 trophies with Los Blancos. But it was his heroics in Brazil that convinced Carlo Ancelotti to trust him to displace the legendary Iker Casillas. He had kept 3 clean sheets in 5 games in the 2014 World Cup and won a penalty shoot-out for Costa Rica.

2010

Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil– The duo was relatively unknown before the World Cup in South Africa but helped Germany finish third with inspired performances. Both didn’t last long at the Santiago Bernabeu but it was great while it lasted.

Angel Di Maria – Another young talent who impressed at the 2010 World Cup and was snapped up by the club. He played for only five seasons for Real Madrid but was Man of the Match in the final of the La Decima-winning Champions League.

2006

Fabio Cannavaro – One of the only three defenders to have won the Ballon d’Or. He was simply phenomenal in the Germany edition of the World Cup. Italy won the tournament primarily thanks to their incredible defence and Cannavaro’s leadership qualities and defensive discipline earned a lot of well deserved plaudits. He lasted only three seasons in the Spanish capital but is still fondly remembered for his performances that earned him a couple La Liga winners medals.

2002

Ronaldo – The legend himself. He only won two La Liga titles in his five seasons at the club but when it comes to superstar signings, there is no bigger signing in world football than O Fenomeno. His performances in South Korea and Japan are almost mythical. The living legend is still adored in Madrid and the world over.

The list can go on and on. The World Cup remains the biggest sporting spectacle and Real Madrid continue to have that aura that marks them to be football royalty. When Los Blancos come calling a player seldom says no.

With the latest edition set to unfold in Qatar, those at Real Madrid will be keenly following the games. Do not be surprised to see a signing or two in January.