1. Pepe: The Eternal Center-Back
In 2023, several former Real Madrid players continue to grace the football world with their presence, defying the passage of time. While names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric remain in the limelight, others have embarked on less glamorous paths, either playing for lesser-known Spanish teams or winding down their careers with hometown clubs. Here, we highlight seven former Madrid stars who are still actively playing professional football in 2023.
- You might have overlooked Pepe, the formidable center-back who formed a dominant partnership with Ramos during Real Madrid’s successful years in the 2010s.
- Remarkably, at the age of 40, Pepe continues to represent Porto, even captaining the team. He even scored in the last year’s World Cup for Portugal.
- Throughout the previous season, Pepe featured in 36 games, showcasing his enduring commitment to the sport. His Terminator-like resilience is hard to ignore.
2. Raul Albiol: The Reliable Defender
- Another former Madrid center-back, Raul Albiol, is a lesser-known figure but was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad.
- At 38, Albiol serves as the club captain for Villarreal, consistently anchoring their defense.
- His time at Real Madrid (2009-2013) saw him as a bit-part player, but he made 119 appearances and won three major honors during his tenure.
3. Alvaro Negredo: The Journeyman Striker
- Alvaro Negredo’s journey began at Rayo Vallecano before joining Real Madrid Castilla in 2005. However, he never made it to the first team.
- Negredo’s career is best remembered for his prolific stints at Sevilla and Manchester City. Now 38, he plays for La Liga side Cadiz.
4. Asier Illarramendi: The Midfield Dynamo
- Illarramendi developed at Real Sociedad, earning a move to Real Madrid for €32.2 million, a record fee for a Spanish player at the time.
- Unfortunately, his time at Madrid was marked by struggles to secure a spot in the first XI. He returned to Sociedad for half the original fee within two years.
- A solid defensive midfielder, Illarramendi helped Sociedad qualify for the Champions League last season before moving to MLS and FC Dallas.
5. Royston Drenthe: The Forgotten Talent
- Drenthe, once hailed as one of Europe’s most exciting young players, joined Real Madrid in a €14 million deal after a standout performance in the European Under-21 Championships with the Netherlands in 2007.
- However, he failed to live up to expectations and embarked on a journey that took him to various clubs, including exotic locations like Abu Dhabi, Reading, Vladikavkaz, and Murcia.
- Now in his mid-30s, Drenthe plays for Kozakken Boys, competing in the highest amateur league of Dutch football.
6. Pedro Leon: Mourinho’s Sacrificial Lamb
- Pedro Leon’s time at Real Madrid is often forgotten, but his memories of working under Jose Mourinho are likely indelible.
- Madrid acquired Leon for €10 million from Getafe but rarely fielded him. It appeared he was merely a pawn in Mourinho’s political maneuvering.
- When questioned by the Spanish press about dropping Leon for a Champions League tie, Mourinho’s response was less than flattering, causing controversy.
7. Antonio Adan: The Steady Goalkeeper
In 2023, several former Real Madrid players continue to grace the football world with their presence, defying the passage of time. While names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric remain in the limelight, others have embarked on less glamorous paths, either playing for lesser-known Spanish teams or winding down their careers with hometown clubs. Here, we highlight seven former Madrid stars who are still actively playing professional football in 2023.
- A product of the Real Madrid academy, Antonio Adan served as a backup goalkeeper to Iker Casillas during his three seasons with the first team.
- Leaving the club in 2013, Adan enjoyed success at Real Betis and had less successful spells at Cagliari and Atletico Madrid.
- At the age of 36, he has spent the last three years as Sporting Lisbon’s first-choice goalkeeper, accumulating 100 appearances for the club.
These seven former Real Madrid players continue to contribute to the world of football in various roles, showcasing their enduring love for the sport despite the passing of time.