5 players you didn’t played for Real Madrid

Real Madrid. Two words that define glory, dream, ambition and above all, royalty. Wearing the famous white shirt and running down the pastures at the Bernabeu is a dream only one in a million footballers are able to realise.

However, as gigantic a club as Real Madrid, it has also turned out to be a bowel of hell for some who have played for it. On that note let’s have a look at five such players who don’t reflect upon their Real Madrid stint as the best time of their lives.

5. Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso has now become an indispensable part of the Chelsea backline and one of the best players in the Premier League. However, little do people know that the Spaniard was a graduate of the Real Madrid youth academy and a part of their B team.

Los Blancos aren’t a club known for nurturing and promoting youngsters from their youth academy and in that sense, Alonso shouldn’t come as a surprise, given he was a young prospect in the Spanish capital. However, what actually is astonishing is that Alonso was made a part of the senior team in 2010, meaning he almost partnered Cristiano Ronaldo down the left-wing.

Alonso, however, was never able to cement his place given the meagre amount of opportunities that came his way, thanks to Brazilian full-back Marcelo. The Spaniard made the switch to Fiorentina following the condition.4. Fabinho

It’s okay to see your jaw dropped in surprise when you read Fabinho’s name on the list. The Brazilian midfielder may not be a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but few can debate over the perks he brings to the squad.

Fabinho mare his name with AS Monaco, helping them win the Ligue 1 title in season 2016/17, before swapping the club for Liverpool. However, few are aware of the fact that he also dawned the famous white shirt of Real Madrid only once back in 2013, when he was serving a loan stint with the Spanish giants.3. Antonio Cassano

Antonio Cassano was viewed as the future of Italian football, given his eagle-eyed goalscoring skills. However, the striker always had issues with his discipline, forcing him to change clubs on a regular basis throughout his career.

Even then, Cassano didn’t fail to catch the eye of Real Madrid, when Los Merengues came knocking at his door in 2006. He spent two seasons at the club and made over 20 appearances for the club. However, the presence of the mighty Raul proved to be fatal for him as he failed to notch enough playing minutes.

Cassano finally left the Bernabeu for Sampdoria in 2008.2. Samuel Eto’o

When we speak about Samuel Eto’o it’s easy to remember him tormenting defenders in the blue-and-burgundy Barcelona shirt. Few, however, are aware that the striker was a youth prospect at their most fierce rivals Real Madrid.

The Cameronian graduated from the youth setup in 1997 and served as a senior team member for three years, making only seven appearances and scoring 3 goals in the process. The Merengues sent him on loan to various clubs, until he made a permanent switch to Mallorca.

There, Eto’o rose to fame with his goal-poaching abilities and signed for Barcelona, going down as one of the biggest regrets in Real Madrid’s history.1. Juan Mata

Juan Mata has become a mainstay in the Premier League since he made the move to Chelsea from Valencia in 2011. Now at Manchester United, the Spaniard is steadily approaching the twilight of his career.

Fans usually remember Mata for his time with Valencia, where he rose to fame for his exquisite vision in the midfield. However, few know that Mata actually started his career as a footballer with Real Madrid.

The Spaniard made 39 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla in season 2006/07 and scored 10 goals, before departing for Valencia in search of more first-team opportunities.

Real Madrid may not be habitual about giving chances young talents, but one can hardly say they aren’t well-adept at producing them.