Real Madrid has seen many talented players leave the club over the years, only to find success elsewhere. Here’s a list of 10 such players:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Perhaps the most prominent example, Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 to join Juventus. Despite leaving the club where he achieved numerous records and accolades, he continued to excel at Juventus, Manchester United and Al Nassr maintaining his status as one of the world’s best players.
- Angel Di Maria: After leaving Real Madrid in 2014 for Manchester United, Di Maria found success in the Premier League. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain where he further solidified his reputation as a top-class winger.He currently plays for Benfica.
- Mesut Özil: Özil departed Real Madrid in 2013 for Arsenal, where he became a key player for the London club. Known for his vision and passing ability, he enjoyed a successful stint in the English Premier League before moving to Fenerbahçe in 2021.Ozil is now retired.
- Gonzalo Higuaín: Higuaín left Real Madrid in 2013 for Napoli before later moving to Juventus. During his time in Italy, he continued to score prolifically, helping Juventus win multiple Serie A titles.
- Wesley Sneijder: After leaving Real Madrid in 2009 for Inter Milan, Sneijder played a pivotal role in Inter’s treble-winning season in 2009-2010. He was instrumental in their Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League triumphs.
- Arjen Robben: Robben left Real Madrid in 2009 for Bayern Munich, where he enjoyed tremendous success. Known for his trademark cutting inside from the right wing onto his left foot, he won numerous Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League with Bayern.
- Samuel Eto’o: Although he only spent one season at Real Madrid, Eto’o went on to achieve great success after leaving the club. He notably won multiple UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
- Claude Makélélé: Makélélé departed Real Madrid in 2003 for Chelsea, where he became a linchpin in the midfield. His role as a defensive midfielder was so influential that the “Makélélé role” became synonymous with the position he played.
- Iker Casillas: Casillas, a legendary goalkeeper, left Real Madrid in 2015 for Porto after spending his entire professional career at the Spanish club. Despite leaving his boyhood club, he continued to showcase his goalkeeping prowess in Portugal.
- Alvaro Morata: Morata left Real Madrid in 2014 for Juventus, where he initially thrived before returning to Real Madrid and then moving to Chelsea. Although his career has seen its ups and downs, he has remained a consistent goalscorer for various clubs.(still banging goals at Atletico Madrid.
These players showcase that leaving Real Madrid doesn’t necessarily mean the end of success, as they’ve all gone on to achieve greatness elsewhere in their careers.
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