Real Madrid has always dazzled fans with its galaxy of stars. But behind the glitz and glamour, some players don’t get the spotlight they deserve. These underrated Real Madrid players often work tirelessly without much fanfare. Today, we’ll shine a light on seven such unsung heroes who have made big impacts at the club.
You might know the big names like Ronaldo and Benzema. But do you know about the players who quietly help the team win? These are the guys who don’t always make the headlines but are super important to the team’s success.
Get ready to meet seven amazing players who don’t always get the credit they deserve. You’ll learn why they’re so special and why Real Madrid fans love them. Let’s dive into the world of these hidden gems and discover what makes them so valuable to one of the world’s greatest football clubs.
7 Underrated Real Madrid Players You Missed Out
1. Nacho Fernández
Nacho Fernández was a loyal defender who played his entire career with Real Madrid from 2001 to 2024. He usually played as a center-back, but could also fill in at right-back or left-back when needed.
Here are all the trophies Nacho won with Real Madrid:
| Trophy | Times Won |
|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2016, 2017, 2022 |
| La Liga | 2016-2017, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024 |
| Copa del Rey | 2013-2014, 2022-2023 |
| Supercopa de España | 2012, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
Even though Nacho was a key part of Real Madrid’s success, he was often underrated. People talked more about the team’s big stars, but Nacho quietly did his job game after game. He was super reliable and could always be counted on to give his best effort.
Nacho’s biggest contribution was being a team player. He never complained about his role and was happy to play wherever the coach needed him. His versatility and consistency made him invaluable over his 23 years at the club. Nacho represented the true values of Real Madrid.
2. Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas is a Costa Rican goalkeeper who played for Real Madrid from 2014 to 2019. He was born on December 15, 1986 in San Isidro, Costa Rica. Navas started his career at Costa Rican club Saprissa before moving to Spain in 2010.
During his five years at Real Madrid, Navas won an impressive number of trophies:
| Trophy | Number of Wins |
|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2014, 2017 |
| La Liga | 2017 |
| Supercopa de España | 2017 |
Despite his success, Navas was often considered an underrated player at Real Madrid. He constantly faced criticism and was never fully embraced by the fans, partly due to the club’s internal politics and the fans’ preference for bigger-name signings.
However, Navas played a key role in Real Madrid’s playing style under manager Zinedine Zidane. His quick reflexes and distribution skills were crucial for launching the team’s devastating counter-attacks. Without Navas in goal, Real Madrid often struggled to play their preferred style.
In total, Navas made 162 appearances for Real Madrid, firmly establishing himself as one of the club’s most successful goalkeepers. His shot-stopping ability, athleticism, and consistency between the posts made him a vital contributor to the team’s many triumphs.
3. Andriy Lunin
Andriy Lunin is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and the Ukraine national team. Born on February 11, 1999, in Krasnohrad, Ukraine, Lunin has always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid.
Here are the trophies Lunin has won with Real Madrid so far:
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| La Liga | 2021-22, 2023-24 |
| UEFA Champions League | 2021-22, 2023-24 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 2022, 2024 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2022-23, 2024-25 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2023 |
| Copa del Rey | 2022-23 |
Lunin is often considered underrated even with his impressive achievements with Real Madrid. This is partly because he has had to share the spotlight with other talented goalkeepers at Real Madrid. However, his contributions to the team are invaluable.
One of his most memorable performances was against Manchester City in the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals. Lunin played hero, saving two City spot-kicks in the penalty shootout, which helped Real Madrid advance to the semi-finals.
Lunin’s dedication and skill have made him a dependable option for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. His ability to perform under pressure and make critical saves has been a game-changer for the team. Despite facing challenges and competition, Lunin continues to prove himself as a talented and essential player for Real Madrid.
4. Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal is a super-talented right-back who has played for Real Madrid since he was a kid. He’s been with the team for a long time and has won a bunch of big trophies. Check out all the awesome titles he’s won with Real Madrid:
| Trophy | Number of Titles |
|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2016- 2017, 2017-2018, 2021-2022, 2023-2024 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024 |
| La Liga | 2016-2017, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024 |
| Copa del Rey | 2013-2014, 2022-2023 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
Even though Carvajal has been so successful, many people still don’t give him the credit he deserves. He’s like a hidden hero who quietly does his job really well without making a big fuss.
Carvajal is super important to Real Madrid. He’s great at defending and also helping the team attack with his speedy runs and perfect crosses. In the 2021-2022 Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, he made an incredible assist that helped Real Madrid win the game.
And, in the 2016 UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla, he scored the winning goal to give Real Madrid the trophy!
So even though he might not be the most famous player, Dani Carvajal is definitely one of Real Madrid’s most valuable stars. He’s a true team player who always gives his best for the white jersey.
5. Raphaël Varane
Raphaël Varane is a French footballer who played as a centre-back for Real Madrid from 2011 to 2021. He was born on 25 April 1993 in Lille, France.
Trophies Won with Real Madrid:
| Trophy | Year |
|---|---|
| La Liga | 2012, 2017, 2020 |
| Copa del Rey | 2014 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 2012, 2017, 2020 |
| UEFA Champions League | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Varane was often considered underrated because he played alongside other star players like Sergio Ramos and Pepe, who often got more attention. However, Varane’s consistent performances and numerous trophies show how valuable he was to the team.
Varane’s contribution to Real Madrid was immense. He played 236 games for the club, scoring 8 goals. His defensive skills and speed made him a key player in the team’s success, especially in the UEFA Champions League wins. Despite being young when he joined Real Madrid, Varane quickly became an integral part of the team, forming a strong partnership with Sergio Ramos in defense.
6. Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde is a talented Uruguayan midfielder who plays for Real Madrid. He joined the club in 2016 and has become an important part of the team. Even though he’s not always in the spotlight, Valverde works super hard and helps Real Madrid win lots of trophies.
Some people think Valverde is underrated because he doesn’t score a lot of goals like the big stars. But he does so many important things to help Real Madrid succeed. He runs a lot, works hard on defense, and always gives his best for the team.
In the 2020 Spanish Super Cup final against Atlético Madrid, Valverde showed how much he cares about helping his team win. Near the end of extra time, Atlético’s Álvaro Morata was about to score, but Valverde made a really smart foul to stop him.
He got a red card, but his tackle saved Real Madrid from losing. They went on to win the trophy, and everyone praised Valverde for his bravery and quick thinking. It showed what an awesome teammate he is.
7. Lucas Vázquez
Lucas Vázquez, born on 1 July 1991, plays as a right-back or winger for Real Madrid. He began his journey with the club’s youth system in 2007 and made his first-team debut in 2015 after a loan spell at Espanyol.
Vázquez has been a versatile player, often stepping in wherever the team needs him, which makes him one of the underrated Real Madrid players.
Here’s a table of the trophies Lucas Vázquez has won with Real Madrid:
| Title | Years Won |
|---|---|
| Champions League | 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2023-24 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| La Liga | 2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024 |
| Copa del Rey | 2022-23 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 2017, 2022 |
Vázquez often flies under the radar because he isn’t always the star player, but his contributions are vital. He brings energy and creativity to the field, linking up well with teammates like Luka Modrić and Dani Carvajal.
His ability to play in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset, and his hard work and dedication make him a fan favourite. Despite not being the first-choice player, Vázquez’s loyalty and performance have earned him a special place in the hearts of Real Madrid supporters.
In a Nutshell
Underrated Real Madrid players play a big role in the team’s success. They might not always be in the spotlight, but their efforts help the team win matches and trophies. These players show us that every team needs a mix of stars and hardworking players to be the best.
As fans, you should cheer for these unsung heroes. They give their best on the field, even if they don’t always get the attention they deserve. Next time you watch a match, keep an eye out for these players. They might just surprise you with their skills and dedication.
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