Real Madrid, a global phenomenon

The arrival of Keylor Navas signifies another international leap for Real Madrid. The signing of the Costa Rican goalie means that players of 32 different nationalities have been at the club throughout its 112-year history.

The reigning European champions have footballers from all over the world, along with an immense global following. You only have to look at the current Real squad, which contains 10 different nationalities and stretches to 12 if you include Carlo Ancelotti, Paul Clement and the rest of the coaching team.

After Spaniards, the biggest contingent in the Real history books hails from South America. Argentina tops the table with 29 players, while Brazil is in second place with 21. These include club legends Alfredo di Stéfano, Fernando Redondo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo Nazário.

Germany is the fourth most represented country. The arrival of Toni Kroos has increased the number of Germans to play for 'Los Blancos' to 12. Paul Breitner, Bernd Schuster and Uli Stielike are the most significant Germans to feature for the Bernabéu side.

France has also passed the 10-player mark. Karim Benzema and Raphaël Varane are in the current squad, but Zinedine Zidane is of course the most illustrious Frenchman to play for Real.

The countries mentioned above have a great football tradition and make up over 50% of the foreigners who have worn the white shirt. Behind them, Dutch, Uruguayan, English and Portuguese players, plus several from the former Yugoslavia, have played an important role in the club's history.


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