Real Madrid have a fair few incredible captains in their rich, storied history.
From Iker Casillas to Sergio Ramos, they have just been blessed with the players that have led the team to so much glory over the years.
As of late, there have been many captains who have left a season after, but even their impact could not go unnoticed. It has been a beautiful era for all fans, and I have no doubt the future is going to be just as good.
The last five captains make up for most of the 2020s on this Real Madrid side. Here is the list ranked from worst - which would be a harsh word to say - to best.
Real Madrid's last 5 captains ranked from worst to best
5. Dani Carvajal (2025-)
Carvajal is a decent captain, but it has only been a few weeks since he started his new post, which is one of the only reasons why he is last. Carvajal is younger than most of the captains here when they first became it, so it is certain that the Spanish full-back will be around for a few years.
However, it has only been a few weeks since he started, so maybe in a year or two, Carvajal can climb up a few places. For now, he stays fifth.
4. Luka Modrić (2024-25)
Luka Modrić was one of the greatest midfielders in all of Real Madrid's trophy-laden history, but he was only the captain of the team for one season, and it happened to be one of the worst years in recent memory.
It was through no fault of his own, and he was actually a great captain whenever he was on the pitch, but that just did not happen enough times, so it makes sense to put him at fourth.
He was captain for a few games in the season before, whenever Nacho was on the bench, so it has not all been that bad.
But, if we are talking solely as a captain, Modrić would be fourth here. But that does not show his leadership ability as it is, which is brilliant.
He is a leader by example, and I have no doubts that most players in any dressing room would look up to him at any cost.
3. Nacho (2023-24)
Like Modric, Nacho was also only the captain of Real Madrid for one season, but Real Madrid were really successful in that year, and honestly, the season shed more light on his leadership skills than on his footballing ability.
Nacho was always the one putting the team before himself. Every single time he would step on the pitch, he would think of the team first. It did not matter if he played one game or 50, he was always there to do his role and that is it.
It is also worth noting that he led Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League title, starting so many important games and performing way better than expected in those games.
This is more of an assumption than anything, but he did not announce his departure before the end of the season so that, in my opinion, Toni Kroos can have his farewell like he deserved. Obviously, an assumption, but an educated guess - and it shows Nacho was always putting the club and its players first.
2. Karim Benzema (2022-23)
Karim Benzema, oh how much Real Madrid fans miss his presence at the moment. However, he was really just a brilliant presence for the club.
He was a really good captain for the 2022-23 season, but his leadership before those years is what usually sticks out. Benzema was the reference on the pitch, even when Marcelo was the captain.
He led the team through thick and thin for a number of years, and that is why he is number 2 here.
1. Marcelo (2021-22)
Marcelo could probably be the greatest vice-captain of all time. He was an amazing leader at the club, and there is no one in the world who can even doubt that for a second.
The only thing with Marcelo was that when he actually became captain, his role subsided. He rarely played. He played the least out of anyone on this list in their years as captain of the club. Otherwise, though, he was absolutely brilliant.
However, the captain doesn't always have to play that much. A captain is always that one player who knows the club in its entirety. Who understands the values of the club. And for that, there was no one better than Marcelo.
His role as a vice captain often gets overlooked, but it was exceptional. He was important on many occasions, and he brought the team together.