September 22, 2005, was a highly anticipated night for Jonathan Woodgate. After a year on the sidelines due to injury, he was finally set to make his Real Madrid debut against Athletic Club. Signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2004 for €13.4 million, Woodgate had a stellar reputation as one of the best defenders in England. However, his debut for Los Blancos turned into one of the most infamous in football history, featuring an own goal and a red card in a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
September 12th, 1999. It’s a date that lives in the hearts of Real Madrid fans, the day a young, fearless Iker Casillas first donned the famous white jersey of "Los Blancos" in a La Liga match. The stage was San Mamés, home of Athletic Club—a fortress known for its passionate crowd and tough, no-nonsense football. That evening, an 18-year-old boy from Móstoles, fresh from Real Madrid’s youth academy, made his debut. This moment marked the beginning of a legendary career for one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.
Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Iker Casillas was in his prime in 2008. His shot-stopping ability, leadership, and consistency were instrumental in Spain's triumph at UEFA Euro 2008, where he captained La Roja to their first major international title in 44 years. Casillas' performances for Real Madrid were equally impressive, solidifying his reputation as "San Iker."
Luka Modric's story is not just the tale of a gifted footballer; it is a story of resilience, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit. His journey from a war-torn childhood to the pinnacle of the sport has captivated fans around the world and serves as a powerful reminder that with unwavering dedication and a steadfast belief in oneself, anything is possible.
Considered one of the greatest defenders of all time, Maldini spent his entire career at AC Milan. He won numerous Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies. Known for his elegance, tackling, and tactical intelligence, Maldini was versatile enough to excel both as a left-back and a center-back.