The most expensive signings in Real Madrid's history

Real Madrid has become one of the great players in the 21st-century market. The arrival of Florentino Pérez to the Presidency and his ambition to bring together the greatest number of stars on the field has been a complete sporting and commercial success.

Of course, 'Los Blancos' has had to pay a heavy price for this luxury – often eye watering-figures for single players! Let's look at the most expensive signings in the history of Real Madrid.

Signed from Chelsea in 2019 for 115 million euros, the amount was divided into three payments of 40, 56 and 64 million euros. He is considered the worst signing in the club's history, as he never achieved what was expected of him.

Signed from Borussia Dortmund, in 2023, in exchange for 103 million euros (+30 in variables). He is expected to command the core of Real Madrid for the next decade. Surprisingly, he actually rejected much larger offers prior to accepting the Madrid offer.

Signed from Tottenham in 2013 for 101 million euros, Bale was a key figure in the Madrid that dominated the 2010s. Together with Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema he formed the unforgettable BBC.

Perhaps the best player in the history of Real Madrid, Ronaldo signed from Manchester United for 96 million euros. He left the club, after 9 seasons, with a balance of 438 games, 450 goals and 120 assists. Yes, more than one goal per game after 9 seasons.

Signed from Monaco in 2022 for 80 million euros. He is the natural replacement for Casemiro in the Real Madrid midfield. While a World Cup in the middle of the season may have made his adaptation difficult, the club has no doubt that he will dominate football for a decade.

Signed from Juventus in 2001 for 77.5 million euros, Zizou said yes to Florentino Pérez on a napkin to make him the most expensive signing in history at the time. After playing an important role for the club as a player and as a coach, many have touted him for one final big role at the club – president!

Signed from Monaco, in 2014 for 75 million euros (+15 in variables). He showed glimpses of his quality and was one of the fans' favorites but he never finished establishing himself as a starter at the club.

Until Hazard's arrival, the Kaka, who signed from Milan in 2009 for 67 million, was considered the least profitable signing in the club's history. A shadow of what he was in Calcio, in part, because of a destroyed knee.

Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 for 63 million euros, Jovic was a signing nobody understood. He always questioned whether he was worth what Madrid paid for him and his performance at the club ended up showing that he was not worth it.

Signed from Barcelona in 2000 for 61.9 million euros, Florentino paid his clause, won the elections and dealt a blow to Barcelona from which it took years to recover. Zidane, a year later, would take away the record for the most expensive signing in history.

Signed from Porto in 2019 for 50 million euros. Madrid arrived with Varane and Ramos established as a top center-back couple and jokes about his performances were common. As soon as he took ownership, the jokes were over. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Signed from Olympique de Lyon in 2019 for 48 million euros (+5 in variables). The man who set the defense of Real Madrid is a wall in the rear but made of glass at the level of health. Injuries hampered his performance too much.

Signed from Santos in 2019 for 45 million euros. Benzema's natural heir has matured over a slow fire at Real Madrid and showing improvements each year.

Signed from Flamengo for 45 million euros. Vini Jr is among the top three best players in the world. He has managed to transform laughter and criticism into admiration and applause. His figures are Ballon d'Or worthy.

Signed from Inter Milan in 2002 for 45 million euros. The Phenomenon arrived at Real Madrid on the last day of the 2002 summer market. It was the icing on a cake that Florentino Pérez had cooked over low heat. Despite injuries and his evident weight gain, he had his fill of scoring goals over four seasons.