Real Madrid has been a superpower in the game of soccer for decades. Founded in 1902, the franchise has seen some of the best talent in the world guide the club to numerous championships on multiple levels.
One of those stars is current Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a 6-2 dismantling of Malaga earlier this week, Ronaldo recorded his 200th goal since joining the Madrid club back in 2009. The tally puts the 28-year-old in a rare class as he is now one of only 6 players in Real Madrid history to reach the 200-goal mark.
As ESPN notes, Ronaldo is now eight goals shy of tying Hugo Sanchez for 5th on the all-time Madrid list for goals scored.
One of the ultimate leaders in the game as well, Ronaldo and Real Madrid will now focus on winning the 2012-2013 Copa del Rey Cup. They'll match-up against Atletico Madrid on May 17th in the final.
Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly one of the best active players in the game but as we take a look at the Top 5 Players in the long and successful history of Real Madrid, where does the superstar forward land in the rankings?
5. Zinedine Zidane - Madrid Midfielder, 2001-2006
In 5 seasons with Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane was one of the most recognizable athletes in soccer. A dangerous player every second he was on the field, Zidane notched 37 goals in 155 matches with Real while leading the club to multiple championships. Under his guidance, Real Madrid won the 2003 La Liga title as well as the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 2002. One his finest moments came at the end of the 2001-2002 season when he and Real claimed the UEFA Champions League title. Zidane retired from play in 2006.
4. Iker Casillas - Madrid Goalkeeper, 1999-Present
The current captain of Real Madrid, Iker Casillas is undoubtedly one of the franchises greatest players. With the ability to stop everything thrown his way, Casillas has enjoyed a marvelous career between the pipes for Madrid. His consistency in net has helped Madrid win 5 La Liga titles, 4 Supercup of Spain titles and 2 UEFA Champions League trophies.
3. Fernando Hierro - Madrid Defensive Midfielder, 1989-2003
An unbelievably gifted athlete, Fernando Hierro was a prized possession for 13 seasons with Real Madrid. Not only was he tremendous on the defensive end, the shutdown defender had the tremendous ability to score as well. In well over 400 games played for Madrid, the now-retired Hierro notched 102 goals, an eye-popping number for a primarily defensive player. His time spent with the Spanish club earned him 3 Champions League titles and 5 La Liga championships.
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2. Cristiano Ronaldo - Madrid Forward, 2009-Present
Recently recording his 200th career goal as a member of Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo is not only considered one of the best players in Real history but he is widely viewed as one the greatest players the game of soccer has ever seen. Selected as the World Soccer Player of the Year in 2008, Ronaldo has gone on to lead Madrid to a tremendous level of success in 4 seasons. The superstar forward and Madrid have won 3 Premier League titles and the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League crown under his direction.
1. Hugo Sanchez - Madrid Striker, 1985-1992
One of the most dangerous players in each of his 21 professional seasons, Hugo Sanchez enjoyed great success as one of the leaders for Real Madrid between 1985 and 1992. With 208 goals as a member of the legendary club, Sanchez is considered by many to be the greatest player in franchise history. Real Madrid claimed 5 La Liga titles, 3 Supercup of Spain trophies and a UEFA Cup under his guidance. Departing Madrid following the 1991-1992 season, Sanchez will forever be remembered as a dominant goal-scorer, especially during his time with Real Madrid.
With many legendary players passing through Real Madrid over the years, feel free to tell us who you feel should be recognized among the greatest players in club history.
SEE Ronaldo's 200th Goal in 6-2 Win Over Malaga:
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