6 famous players you forgot were at Real Madrid

• Not all players signed by Real Madrid leave a lasting impression after their time at the Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end
• From Africa’s football icon Samuel Eto’o to Juan Mata, there are several famous footballers you forgot were at Real Madrid
• These players became famous during their time at other clubs

This article brings you famous players you forgot were at Real Madrid. Not all players signed by Real Madrid leave a lasting impression after their time at the Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end. From Africa’s football icon Samuel Eto’o to now FC Barcelona star Marcos Alonso, there are several famous footballers you forgot were at Real Madrid.

Despite winning trophies with the Los Blancos, these players are not remembered for their time with the Spanish giants because they achieved more while playing for other clubs. So with that in mind, here are 6 famous players you forgot were at Real Madrid:

1. Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o. Photo/ News in 24

Widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time, Samuel Eto’o is the most successful player on this list of players you forgot were at Real Madrid. Eto’o joined the Los Blancos in 1997 but struggled to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.

After making seven appearances and failing to score, he was shipped out to Mallorca where he spent four seasons. It was during his days with Mallorca that he emerged as one of the best strikers in Europe and eventually secured a transfer to FC Barcelona. He achieved success with the Catalans, winning the treble before joining Inter Milan, with whom he also won the treble. Eto’o spent the last years of his career playing for clubs such as Everton and Chelsea before hanging his boots.

2. Nicolas Anelka 

Nicolas Anelka is one of the most successful footballers in history. Trophies followed him almost everywhere during his 20-year career. While he is best known for his time with in the Premier League where he played for clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, few know that he also had a spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Anelka joined the Los Blancos in 1999 and made over 30 appearances before leaving as a Champions League winner.

Nicolas Anelka. Photo/ Marca.com.

3. Fabinho 

Fabinho established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world during his time at Liverpool. He achieved success with the Reds, winning a Premier League and a Champions League title. The midfielder left Anfield in the summer of 2023 for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

But just like the other players on this list, the Brazilian also had a spell at Real Madrid and left without a legacy. He joined the Spanish giants on loan from Rio Ave in June 2012 and made his debut in a 6-2 victory over Malaga, recording an assist. But he didn’t do enough to convince Madrid to sign him on a permanent deal.

4. Emmanuel Adebayor 

Another African player on this list, Emmanuel Adebayor joined the Spanish side on a six-month loan deal in 2011. The Togolese striker scored eight times in 22 matches across all competitions, including a hat-trick on the final La Liga game of the season. However, Real Madrid opted not to make his transfer permanent and he ended up returning to England where he signed with Tottenham Hotspur.

Emmanuel Adebayor. Photo/ Sky Sports.

5. Marcos Alonso 

Now playing for Celta Vigo, Marcos Alonso is one of the footballers you forgot were at Real Madrid. The talented full-back emerged through Real Madrid’s youth academy and even made an appearance for the senior team before opting to chase his dreams elsewhere.

Alonso had a spell at Bolton and due to his impressive performance, he was signed by Chelsea. The Spain international won numerous titles with the Blues, including the UEFA Champions League before joining Barcelona.

6. Juan Mata

Juan Mata. Photo/ Juan Mata

Next on our list of players you forgot were at Real Madrid is Juan Mata. The Premier League winner joined Real Madrid’s youth set-up at the age of 15 and turned out 38 times for the reserves.

After failing to get playing time with the senior team, Mata signed with Valencia in 2007. He later landed in England where he played for Chelsea and Manchester United, winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with the former. He is currently playing for A-League Men club Western Sydney Wanderers after short spells in Turkey and Japan, during which he added the Super Lig and J1 League to his collection of trophies.