The Galacticos era, particularly the first phase, is closely associated with the presidency of Florentino Pérez, who held the position from 1999 to 2006. It was during this time that Real Madrid made significant signings and assembled a team of footballing superstars. The first Galáctico era spanned from the signing of Luís Figo in 2000 to the departure of Zinedine Zidane in 2006. Let’s take a closer look at the key signings that contributed to this extraordinary team.
The Galacticos Signings
- Luís Figo (Portugal): In 2000, Luís Figo joined Real Madrid from Barcelona for a then-record fee of €60 million. Figo’s arrival marked a significant statement of intent from Real Madrid as they aimed to assemble a team of global stars.
- Claude Makélélé (France): Signed in 2000 for €14 million from Celta Vigo, Claude Makélélé’s addition provided stability and defensive solidity to the midfield, becoming an essential component of the Galácticos.
- Zinedine Zidane (France): Zidane, one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, joined Real Madrid in 2001 for a staggering fee of €73.5 million from Juventus. Zidane’s elegance, vision, and playmaking ability were pivotal to the team’s success.
- Ronaldo (Brazil): The Brazilian goal-scoring phenomenon, Ronaldo, arrived at Real Madrid in 2002 from Inter Milan for €45 million. Ronaldo’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing added a new dimension to the Galácticos’ attacking prowess.
- David Beckham (England): In 2003, Real Madrid secured the services of English superstar David Beckham from Manchester United for €37.5 million. Beckham’s remarkable crossing ability and star power added an extra level of glamour to the team.
- Michael Owen (England): Michael Owen, the prolific English striker, joined Real Madrid in 2004 for €9 million from Liverpool. Although his time at Real Madrid was relatively short, Owen’s contributions were valuable during his tenure.
- Robinho (Brazil): Robinho, a highly promising Brazilian talent, was signed by Real Madrid in 2005 for €24 million from Santos. He showcased his flair, skill, and dribbling abilities during his time with the Galácticos.
- Sergio Ramos (Spain): In 2005, Real Madrid secured the services of Sergio Ramos from Sevilla for €27 million. Ramos, initially a right-back, would go on to become one of the greatest defenders in the history of the club.
- Jonathan Woodgate (England): Centre-back Jonathan Woodgate shocked everyone by moving to the Spanish capital in 2004. Despite suggestions that Woodgate may fail his medical, he moved in a deal worth around £14 million.
Other Key Contributors
In addition to the high-profile signings, several players who were already part of the team or had come through the club’s youth system played integral roles during the Galácticos era. These players included:
- Fernando Hierro (Spain)
- Raúl (Spain)
- Guti (Spain)
- Roberto Carlos (Brazil)
- Fernando Morientes (Spain)
- Iván Helguera (Spain)
- Míchel Salgado (Spain)
- Steve McManaman (England)
- Iker Casillas (Spain)
The Real Madrid Galácticos enjoyed immediate success, winning La Liga titles in the 2000-01 and 2002-03 seasons, as well as claiming the UEFA Champions League in 2001-02, with Zidane’s memorable goal securing the victory in the final. Following their triumph in the 2002-03 La Liga, Real Madrid made a significant signing by acquiring English midfielder David Beckham from Manchester United for €35 million. Beckham’s global reputation as a top-tier footballer, coupled with his high-profile marriage to pop star Victoria Adams, provided Real Madrid with immense commercial potential, particularly in Asia. Through strategic marketing campaigns featuring their superstar players, the club became the world’s wealthiest in terms of revenue in 2005-06.
However, despite the high expectations for continued success in both domestic and European competitions, Real Madrid went through a trophy-less spell over the next three seasons. Their performances in the UEFA Champions League were disappointing, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals in 2004 and exited in the round of 16 in both 2005 and 2006. Meanwhile, Barcelona emerged as the dominant force, securing consecutive La Liga titles in 2005 and 2006, along with the Champions League triumph in 2006.
Some galacticos or signings didn’t make stay there for long Walter Samuel, €25m in 2004 from AS Roma, Júlio Baptista €20m from Sevilla, Nicolas Anelka €34m from Arsenal, Cicinho €8M in 2006 from São Paulo.
They sold Makélélé to Chelsea because he wasn’t selling shirts and so that Beckham could play in the middle. “Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?” is what Zinedine Zidane about selling Makélélé. Goes to show that defensive midfield is an important position, Florentino Pérez realised the mistake and signed Thomas Gravesen in 2005 but this was too late, most of the Galácticos was past their peak to influence the whole season,
Conclusion
The Real Madrid CF Galácticos era between 1998 and 2002 was a golden period for the club, characterized by the presence of legendary players such as Zinédine Zidane, Ronaldo, Raúl González, Roberto Carlos, Luís Figo, and David Beckham. This team, assembled by Florentino Pérez, brought immense success to Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League three times and captivating football fans worldwide.
The Galácticos’ peak moment came in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final when Zidane’s unforgettable volley secured Madrid’s ninth European Cup. The team’s philosophy emphasized signing world-class players while nurturing young talents from the club’s academy.
However, the Galácticos era had its shortcomings. One criticism was a lack of investment in defensive talent. Potential transfers were overlooked because Pérez was reluctant to pay large wages to defensive players. This imbalance in squad composition and a heavy focus on attacking prowess may have hindered the team’s long-term success.
Nonetheless, the legacy of the Galácticos endures, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Real Madrid and football as a whole. The team’s iconic style of play and the star power of its players continue to inspire and captivate fans around the globe.
See you in the next one.