The 12 Best Real Madrid Signings of the 2010s

Bargains like Kroos and Casemiro, galácticos like Bale — ranking Real Madrid's smartest and biggest signings of the 2010s.

1

Toni Kroos

Signed for a bargain ~€25M in 2014, the German became the metronome of four Champions League titles.

2

Luka Modric

A slow start in 2012 gave way to a 2018 Ballon d'Or and all-time-great midfield status.

3

Casemiro

A ~€6M steal in 2013 who became the defensive anchor of a European dynasty.

4

Raphael Varane

Signed as a teenager in 2011, he developed into a World Cup-winning central defender.

5

Thibaut Courtois

The 2018 signing became one of the world's best goalkeepers and a Champions League final hero.

6

Vinicius Junior

A ~€45M teenage signing in 2018 who grew into a match-winning forward and final scorer.

7

Dani Carvajal

A modest 2013 buyback who became a reliable, trophy-laden first-choice right-back.

8

Gareth Bale

A then-world-record ~€100M in 2013, decisive in two Champions League finals.

9

Isco

Signed in 2013, the playmaker delivered key knockout performances during the dynasty years.

10

Mesut Ozil

A 2010 signing whose creativity and assists lit up the early Mourinho era.

11

Angel Di Maria

A 2010 buy who became a relentless two-way force before his 2014 departure.

12

James Rodriguez

Signed for ~€75M after the 2014 World Cup; flashes of brilliance but never a guaranteed starter.