Real Madrid is widely hailed as the greatest club in the world. They have a trophy-rich past, a thriving present and a bright future, making them the ultimate destination for the most sought-after players.
Real Madrid have signed many top talents throughout history, but only a handful have managed to take off on the hallowed grounds of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Today we take a look at these anomalies and players who defied expectations in their first season at the club.
Below we take a look at the top five players who scored the most goals in their debut season and briefly discuss their journey to Real Madrid. Well, without further ado, let’s get started!
#5 Jude Bellingham – 21 goals*
Topping the list is 20-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham. The England international, who moved to the club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, has already scored a whopping 21 goals in 37 games across all competitions. The 2023 Golden Boy winner has also contributed 10 assists so far. No Madrid player has been directly involved in more goals this season than Bellingham.
Bellingham acted as an auxiliary striker in Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-3-1-2 system. He linked up perfectly with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, going deep in defense and scoring finishes that any striker would be proud of. If he can keep this up, he will be a solid contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
#4 Gareth Bale – 22 goals
Gareth Bale, the only pure winger on this list, moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid for a then-record price of 101 million euros ($108.28 million) and a huge reputation. The Welshman did no damage to his reputation in his debut season in 2013/14, scoring 22 goals and 19 assists in 44 games. Bale scored a goal in both the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey finals, helping the club to both cups.
Bale, who left Real Madrid as a free agent in July 2022, spent a lot of time on the treatment table, with injuries massively affecting his momentum. The former LAFC winger played 258 games for the Merengues, scoring 106 goals. During his stay, Madrid won, among other things, five UEFA Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
#3 Ronaldo Nazario – 30 goals
Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario moved from Inter Milan to Real Madrid on deadline day in 2002. Ronaldo was arguably the best player in the world at the time and enjoyed a stunning debut season, scoring a sensational 30 goals in 44 games across all competitions. He also showed his creative side and provided eight assists.
Ronaldo was at the Santiago Bernabeu for four and a half years. He played 177 games for the Merengues and scored 103 goals. His exploits helped the All-Whites win two La Liga trophies, a UEFA Super Cup, a Supercopa de España and an Intercontinental Cup.
#2 Ruud Van Nistelrooy – 33 goals
Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the finest center forwards that Real Madrid was able to recruit, caused a stir in the 2006/07 season. The Dutch striker played 47 games this season, scoring 33 goals and providing five assists.
Nistelrooy, who moved to Los Blancos from Manchester United, was in the Spanish capital for three and a half seasons. He scored 64 goals in 96 games across all competitions and helped the club win two La Liga titles and two Supercopas de Espana. Had injuries not held him back, he could have left a much richer legacy at Real Madrid.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo – 33 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo, a Real Madrid legend through and through, enjoyed a brilliant debut at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 2009/10 season. Wearing the No. 9 jersey, the Portuguese icon scored an astonishing 33 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 games across all competitions.
Unlike most, Ronaldo didn’t fail after having such a world-class season. He only built on that and became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 39-year-old, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 games for the All-Whites, helping the club to two La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, among others.