5 players who improved after leaving Real Madrid

2. Samuel Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of all-time. However, not many people know that he came through the Real Madrid youth academy.

It wasn't until Eto'o left Real Madrid in 2000 that he made a name for himself. Mostly known for his time with Mallorca, Barcelona and Inter Milan, Eto'o is one of the all-time greats in his position. Shame it wasn't to be for him in the Spanish capital, though.

3. Santiago Cañizares

Another Real Madrid flop who excelled at another La Liga club is Santiago Cañizares. The goalkeeper started his career at Real Madrid and even returned later in his career. However, it wasn't to be for him, so he signed for Valencia in 1998. At Valencia, Cañizares is now regarded as a club legend as he donned the gloves between the sticks for 10 years there, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup.

Continued on the next slide...