The most successful club in the history of UCL is none other than Real Madrid. The club has won the prestigious trophy a total of 13 times, second to none. Host to many world-class players over the years, which have helped them win the tournament, Real Madrid is always considered one of the favorites when it comes to winning the UCL. In this article, we look at the 5 most popular players who have never won the UCL with Real Madrid
#5 Fabio Cannavaro
The summer of 2006 was undoubtedly the highlight of Fabio’s glorious career. After winning the World cup with Italy, Cannavaro was signed by Real Madrid, regarded as one of the best defenders in football history. Perfect when it comes to interceptions and solid in the air combined with his fearless mindset, that was Fabio Cannavaro.
He was awarded the Ballon d’Or when he played for Real Madrid, he also won the La Liga in his very first season at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the three seasons he played for the club, he was a regular starter and went on to win another league title with the club.
#4 Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain earned his big move to Real Madrid in 2007, when the club acquired his services for 12m euros. Higuain was a goal machine, bagging 107 goals for Whites, he is easily one of the best strikers of his generation. His time in Spain saw him win several domestic honors including three La Liga titles. In the 2009-10 season.
Gonzalo became the club’s top scorer of the season beating his own team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo as Higuain scored 27 goals in the league, at the same time he became La Liga’s second top-scorer too.
#3 Ronaldo Nazario
One of the best to ever don the Real Madrid jersey was Ronaldo Nazario, a goal-scoring phenomenon endowed with skills and physical attributes. Nazario enjoyed great success both with the teams and as an individual such as winning the Ballon d’Or two times. In 2002 after a world-class world cup, R9 was signed by Spanish giants Real Madrid, he scored on his debut against Alaves.
From then on it was an endless list of goals and memorable moments from the Brazilian, his attributes were applauded by all. He won the La Liga twice with the Whites, his magic with the ball will be remembered by every Madridista.
#2 Mesut Ozil
After an impressive World Cup with Germany in 2010, Mesut at the age of just 21 was wanted by some of the biggest clubs in the world. Ozil put pen to paper to a Real Madrid contract as he joined the Whites for a fee reported to be in the region of 15m euros.
In the three seasons donning the famous White jersey, the playmaker assisted 81 times and scored 27 goals, he was also instrumental in the 2011/12 La Liga title-winning team that reached the 100 point mark. He was a fan favorite at the Bernabéu and was appreciated by everyone for his playmaking skills, he is arguably the best playmaker of this generation.
#1 Ricardo Kaka
The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Ricardo Kaka was the 3rd costliest signing in Real Madrid history at the time of 2009. Kaka was a prominent figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan dressing room, playing as an attacking midfielder who spearheaded AC Milan to a 7th Champions League title in Athens.
Despite an underwhelming 4 season spell at Real Madrid due to several injuries, Kaka recorded 0.88 G/A per 90 minutes. Kaka won the La Liga title in 11/12 but failed to win the coveted UCL after going closest in 2012 against Bayern Munich where Kaka failed to convert his penalty, making him the most popular in this list of 5 most popular players who never won the UCL with Real Madrid.
