Top 10 players with most appearances for Real Madrid

Real Madrid-06.02.2010
Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Guti, Xabi Alonso, Granero and Karim Benzema (Top). Iker Casillas, Marcelo, Raul, Arbeloa and Kaka. Real Madrid-06.02.2010 / IMAGO

Real Madrid‘s status as one of the greatest clubs in the world remains the same, and their rich history has some legendary names of the game. Here we take a look at the players with the most appearances for Los Blancos.

Raul Gonzalez

741 appearances during 1994-2010

Often regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Raul Gonzalez, the current Castilla manager, achieved every piece of silverware with the Spanish capital club. Graduated from their academy, the Spanish attacker has etched his name as one of the legends of the game. He currently holds the record for most appearances (741) for Madrid.

Iker Casillas

725 appearances during 1999–2015

If you look back at history, it’s hard to name a goalkeeper as good and determined as Iker Casillas. Nicknamed Saint Iker, the Spaniard was a prominent figure for both Madrid and the national team, helping them achieve every possible title. Casillas left Bernabeu in 2015 to join Porto.

Manolo Sanchis

710 appearances during 1983–2001

Sanchis played a key role behind the club’s glory days between the 80s and 2000s, winning eight La Liga titles, 2 Champions League and Euro Cups. The Spanish defender spent his career with Los Blancos, amassing 710 appearances.

Sergio Ramos

671 appearances during 2005–2021

Sergio Ramos‘s departure might have left many Madrid fans in sheer disappointment, but they can be proud of what he has brought to the club in his 16-year spell. The Spanish centre-back, who is the most-capped player for the national team, is cited as one of the best centre-backs in the world at the moment, and he is a born leader.

Carlos Santillana

645 appearances during 1971–1988

Santillana served as a striker in the 70s and 80s when Madrid were dominating the Spanish top flight. He has amassed 289 goals during his time at the Spanish capital club.

Fernando Hierro

601 appearances during 1989–2003

Hierro is known for his brief spell as the manager of the Spanish national team, which succumbed to a disappointing defeat in the 2018 World Cup round of 16 games against Russia. As a player, Hierro spent his career from 1989 to 2003. He is known for his defensive capabilities.

Franciso Gento

601 appearances during 1953–1971

Gento was part of Alfred Di Stefano’s revolutionary era, and his career was also nothing short of greatness. Deemed as the progenitor to the winger role, Gento amassed 601 appearances for Madrid.

Jose Camacho

577 appearances during 1974–1989

Camacho played as a left-back for Los Blancos between 1974 and 1989 and was highly successful. Talking about his managerial career, Camacho managed a host of Spanish clubs, including Madrid.

Pirri

561 appearances during 1964–1980

Pirri also belongs to the era of Di Stefano and Puskas and also served as a captain for Los Blancos. He stood out for his leadership and ferocity and his versatility to play at different positions.

Karim Benzema*

559 appearances during 2009–Present

Karim Benzema is the only active footballer on the list present at Madrid, and his legacy has been growing strongly over the last few seasons. The Frenchman will arguably go down as one of the best strikers played for Los Blancos. For the time being, he has plenty to offer for the Spanish capital club. He has amassed 559 caps thus far.

Michel

559 appearances during 1981–1996

Tied with Benzema in 10th place, Michel, the current manager of Getafe, was an excellent player during his time at Santiago Bernabeu, winning a handful of titles. Perhaps, Michel spent almost his entire career with Madrid, jumping into the first team from youth ranks in 1982.