Real Madrid Player

19. Ezequiel Garay

• Place of Birth : Rosario, Argentina
•  Date of Birth  : 10/10/1986
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 84.5 kg
•  Height           : 188.1 cm
•  Nationality    : Argentine

Ezequiel Garay was born on 10 October 1986 in Rosario, Argentina. He began his professional career in 2004 when he debuted with Newell’s Old Boys, who went on to win that season's Torneo Apertura, their first title since 1992.
Coming of age in Santander
Garay joined Racing midway through the 2005/06 campaign. His first few months were spent adjusting to Spanish football, and in his first complete season he rose to stardom as one of the top defenders in La Liga. It only took five matches for then coach Miguel Ángel Portugal to grant Garay a spot in the starting lineup, and the player hasn't looked back since.
Not only did Garay stand out for his versatility, strength, and speed, but he finished his first season with Racing as Europe's highest scoring defender; 10 goals in 31 matches, including a brace in El Sardinero against Real Madrid. This season he was instrumental in guiding the outfit to a Copa del Rey semifinal showdown against Getafe, during which he suffered a fortuitous injury which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Decisive set-piece maestro
Ezequiel Garay is a tall defender and very competitive in the aerial game. While he can also anticipate plays and possesses superb reaction time, what sets him apart from other defenders is his set-piece stroke. A frequent penalty and free kick taker, Ezequiel Garay already showed the Santiago Bernabéu what he is capable of when he placed the ball into the upper right corner of Iker's net a couple seasons ago.
Sticking with youth
Garay's hiring is proof that Real Madrid is sticking with its commitment to sign young players. The defender is only 22 and has a long career ahead of him, and one year before moving to the Spanish capital he's got the chance to tie up any loose ends in his game by participating in the UEFA Cup with Racing.
International for Argentina
In May 2007 Garay was a member of the Argentine national team's European tour with matches against Switzerland, Algeria, and Serbia. Although injury prevented him from debuting and participating in the 2007 Copa America, he did make his first appearance in August of that same year against Norway. He was also a member of the 2005 Under-20 World Cup champion squad in the Netherlands.
 

Real Madrid Player

15. Royston Ricky Drenthe

• Place of Birth : Rotterdam, Netherlands
•  Date of Birth  : 08/04/1987
•  Position         : Midfielder
•  Weight          : 72 kg
•  Height           : 167.4 cm
•  Nationality    : Dutch

The 2007 Under-21 European Championship served as Royston Drenthe’s coming out party. The Netherlands won the competition and the Dutch player was named Player of the Tournament by UEFA, none of which went unnoticed by Real Madrid scouts, who flew Drenthe from Rotterdam to Madrid shortly after the competition concluded.
Compared to fellow Dutchman Edgar Davids since coming on to the football scene, Drenthe is a combination of a Bulldog and Bengal Tiger on the pitch. He is extremely fast and has a flawless physique. His versatility makes him an all-around player capable of playing in several positions, but it’s along the left wing –on either end of the pitch- where he is at his best.
Drenthe played an key role on the Netherlands’ Under-21 squad that won the 2007 European championship and was responsible for the game winner against Belgium in the semifinal. Like several Dutch players including Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert and Frank Rijkaard, Drenthe is of Surinamese decent.
Royston developed his football within the walls of Feyenoord’s youth system and gained national attention by scoring a hat-trick against Ajax in the Otten Cup. He only played in three matches during his first year with the First Team, but in 2006/07 finally got his break and participated in 26 games.
Drenthe is your prototypical Dutch winger who is most efficient when glued to the length of the touchline. Astounding dribbling ability allows him to blow by defenders and make it to the byline to cross into the opponent’s box. He is also a set-piece specialist and possesses an extremely powerful shot.
 

Real Madrid Player

21. Cristoph Metzelder

• Place of Birth : Haltern Am See, Germany
•  Date of Birth  : 05/11/1980
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 91 kg
•  Height           : 194.2 cm
•  Nationality    : German

 Metzelder’s height, good aerial game, and innate capability to defend have made him the ideal centre-back for every team he’s played for.

Christoph began playing football for Schalke 04’s youth system, which he left to join SC Preussen Münster’s Under-19 side. His forward progress on the team took led him to Borussia Dortmund, where he became a prominent figure in the Bundesliga.

Two years after his signing, Metzelder became an unquestionable starter on the German national team, with whom he finished second and third in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, respectively. Borussia won the Bundesliga and reached the UEFA Cup final in 2002. That same year, the defender was awarded the Bravo Trophy by prestigious Italian sports magazine Guerin Sportivo, acknowledging him as the best European player under 21 years of age.

Metzelder went through the most difficult time of his career the following season after seriously damaging his Achilles tendon, an injury which required two operations and kept him sidelined for several months. It’s all a thing of the past now, and in 2006/07 he had one of his best years yet do date.

Metzelder signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2007.

Real Madrid Player

12. Marcelo Vieira

• Place of Birth : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
•  Date of Birth  : 12/05/1988
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 73 kg
•  Height           : 171.9 cm
•  Nationality    : Brazilian

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, or simply Marcelo, was one of the ‘Crown Jewels’ of always-prolific Brazilian football and one of Real Madrid’s swanky winter signings of 2006/07. He arrived in Europe at the age of 18 having already hit the big time with Fluminense and he quickly adapted to Madrid thanks to the other Brazilians on the squad, but especially Roberto Carlos, who took Marcelo under his wing and taught his successor the tricks of the trade.
A pacey and offensive player, the young left-back has worked arduously since landing in Madrid hoping to capitalize on the opportunities given to him by the manager. With nerves of steel and water running through his veins, Marcelo has earned Bernd Schuster’s confidence and a spot in the line-up. “I always knew I’d get my chance, and now I get to show my stuff on the pitch,” he explained.
Marcelo’s consistent playing time is also rubbing off on Brazilian national team coach Dunga, who gave the youngster his debut against Wales. No one could have written a better script as Marcelo hammered home an impressive crossed shot from outside the box in an all-out display of strength, speed, and ball-handling.
 

Real Madrid Player

2. Alvaro Arbeloa Coca

• Place of Birth : Salamanca
•  Date of Birth  : 17/01/1983
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 78.5 kg
•  Height           : 183.5 cm
•  Nationality    : Spanish

Born in Salamanca and raised in Zaragoza, Alvaro started playing football in his school, joining Zaragoza's youth systejm when he was 12 years old. He stayed at the club until the 2001/02 campaign, during which he was signed by Real Madrid's Under-19 side, then coached by Rafa Benitez. His hard work got him promoted to Real Madrid B -now known as Castilla-. He became the team's captain and helped it reach the Second Division at the end of the campaign with team-mates such as De la Red, Javi Garcia, Soldado, and Juanfran. Arbeola made his first team debut on 16 October 2004 against Betis when he replaced Mejia. He played one more game with the first team before rejoining Real Madrid B.

Arbeola made one of his most important decisions in 2006 when he decided to sign for Deportivo La Coruña in order to gain experience and have continuity on a First Division team. In 2007, just six months after the move, he joined Rafa Benitez's Liverpool, making his debut against Newcastle on 10 February and becoming an undisputed starter for the Reds. He didn't win any titles with Liverpool, but he reached the 2006/07 Champions League final. He played 49 Premiership games -scoring two goals-, 20 in the Champions League, 3 in the League Cup and 1 FA Cup match.

Arbeola was an international for Spain on every youth national team before joining the first team, with whom he made his debut in March 2008 in a friendly against Italy. He had been called-up for a previous match against France, but an injury on his abdomen prevented him from making his debut then.

Alvaro was one of the 23 Spanish players who won the 2008 Euro in Germany. He only played against Greece, but he became an essential player both for Luis Aragones and current coach Vicente del Bosque, who called him up again to play in the Confederations Cup, in which Spain won the Bronze Medal.

Three seasons after leaving his home, Alvaro Arbeola returns to Real Madrid. He is the fourth Spanish arrival on the team since Florentino Perez became President.

Real Madrid Player

18. Raul albiol Tortajada

• Place of Birth : Villamarchante, Valencia
•  Date of Birth  : 04/09/1985
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 82 kg
•  Height           : 189.9 cm
•  Nationality    : Spanish

Albiol was born in a small town in Valencia called Villamarchante, located on the right bank of the Turia River. Playing with a football was his favorite pastime as a child, and Valencia quickly took notice and enrolled Albiol in their academy. On 24 September 2003, and only 18 years old, Rafa Benitez gave Albiol the chance to debut with the first team in a UEFA Cup match against AIK Solna. The current Liverpool coach saw the tremendous potential Albiol possessed, but the player finished the season playing for Mestalla, the youth team, and would have to wait to earn a spot on Valencia’s premier squad.

Valencia loaned Albiol to Getafe the following season in order for the player to gain experience in Spain’s top flight. It was then that Albiol suffered the most tragic chapter of his life. The center back suffered a serious car accident on his way to the Spanish capital and was in ICU for 17 days. His spleen was removed and Albiol was ordered to remain inactive for two months. They were difficult days for the Valencia native, who thought many times that he would never return to the pitch. But surprisingly, Albiol made a full recovery and joined Getafe midway through the season –he even scored a goal against Real Madrid-. Then Getafe coach Quique Sanchez Flores had all the faith in the world in Albiol, which made it no surprise that he asked Valencia’s head brass to reacquire the services of the player after he was appointed head coach of the Che.

Although his natural position was as a defensive midfielder, Quique repositioned Albiol as a center-back upon his return to Mestalla, and the moved suited the player to perfection. Albiol and Ayala formed one of the most solid defensive duos in La Liga. Tall, fast and strong, Albiol is really known for is his ability to move the ball forward and to play it safely with the midfielders; a skill he surely acquired during his days as a midfielder. Albiol also dominates the aerial game, making him a potential threat during set-pieces and the perfect player to clear balls crossed into the box.

Raul Albiol’s best season as a professional was no doubt 2007/08. A hands-down starter for Valencia, the defender made a name for himself domestically and abroad and earned several call-ups by Luis Aragones for Euro 2008 qualifiers. His debut took place on 13 Ocotber 2007 against Denmark. Once June rolled around, and after Valencia had won the Copa del Rey, the now Madridista was called up by the national team coach top participate in the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland, where he coincided with new teammates, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos. Albiol, who played against Sweden and Greece, finished the tournament as a European champion in Ernst Happel Stadium along with the rest of the Spanish expedition.

Real Madrid Player

4. Sergio Ramos

• Place of Birth : Seville, Spain
•  Date of Birth  : 30/03/1986
•  Position         : Defender
•  Weight          : 81 kg
•  Height           : 183.2 cm
•  Nationality    : Spanish

Sergio Ramos was trained in Sevilla’s youth system and made his first team debut at the age of 17 and under the tutelage of manager Joaquín Caparrós. The Andalusian has always stood out for his grit, determination, and self-confidence and is well on track to becoming the most prolific Spanish defender of all time -UEFA named him Newcomer of the 2004/05 Liga-. Real Madrid saw Ramos as the perfect centre-back to fill the hole left by Fernando Hierro and signed him in 2005; at 19, he was the only Spanish player signed during the entire term of President Florentino Pérez.
Since his arrival in the Spanish capital, Sergio has been an example of hard work, dedication, and potential. Once on the pitch, he showcases drive, leadership, excellent defensive skills, great speed, a powerful shot, and a phenomenal goal-scoring instinct.
Ramos joined the Club as a centre-back but established himself as a right-back during the 2006/07 and 2007/08 campaign; his amazing versatility makes him a great asset for any coach. “It’s comforting to have Sergio on the squad because he is a versatile player capable of performing well in any defensive position,” says Bernd Schuster.
Sergio Ramos has got all Madridistas used to see him perform brilliantly in every clash. He is a key figure on the team, a leader and a possible future captain. The defender from Seville is also a regular on the Spanish national team, with whom he played in the 2006 World Cup. At 19, he was the youngest man to make his debut with Spain in 55 years. With all the makings of a superstar, he is destined to make history in the world of football.
 

Real Madrid Player

3. Pepe

• Place of Birth : Maceió, brazil
•  Date of Birth  : 26/2/1986
•  Position         :Defender
•  Weight          : 81 kg
•  Height           : 187.1 cm
•  Nationality    : Portuguese/Brazilian

Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira ‘Pepe’ was born on 26 February 1983 in Maceió, Brazil. He began his football career with a local neighborhood team and put the finishing touches on his development with Corinthians Alagoano. At the age of 18 he signed for the Portugal’s CS Marítimo B squad on the island of Madeira. Although he had difficulty adjusting to island of life, Pepe made fast progress, which happened to match the attention of European football giant, Porto, who he signed for in 2004.
Pepe has been considered by many as the perfect 21st century centre-back. He is said to have scissors attached to his legs because he cuts off absolutely everything, but he also exhibits uncanny technique, perfect tactical prowess, great placement, strength, intelligence, a dominant aerial game…
Performances like that displayed in Real Madrid’s 0-1 victory in the Camp Nou in 2007/08 only confirm Pepe’s status among the world’s best. His perfect match, and perhaps the best of his blossoming career, garnished him Man of the Match honours.
Pepe became a Portuguese citizen since in August 2007 and on 30 August received his first call-up from the Portuguese nacional team.
 

Real Madrid Player

26. Antonio Adan Garrido

• Place of Birth : Madrid
•  Date of Birth  : 13/5/1987
•  Position         : Goalkeeper
•  Weight          : 92 kg
•  Height           : 190 cm
•  Nationality    : Spanish

Antonio Adan was a Real Madrid academy and Spanish youth team mainstay. His meteoric progress during his two season with Real Madrid C were followed by another three with Real Madrid Castilla, during which he was named team captain. Adan traveled with the first team on its 2006/07 US tour, and despite playing for Castilla was officially considered Real Madrid's third keeper. His first team debut took place in a friendly against a combined Palestinian and Israeli team. After his three year stint with Castilla, Adan was officially named a member of the first team. In 2006 he won the Under-19 European Championship in Poland as the starting keeper and team captain.

In 2008/09 the goalkeeper tore his ACL and was sidelined for most of the season. He has made a full recovery and trains regularly with the first team while still acting as the starting keeper for Castilla.

Real Madrid Player

13. Jerzy Dudek

•  Place of Birth : Rybnik, Poland
•  Date of Birth  : 23/3/1973
•  Position         : Goalkeeper
•  Weight          : 82.5 kg
•  Height           : 188.3 cm
•  Nationality    : Polish

Dudek’s professional career began in 1995 when he signed for Sokół Tychy, but as an up-and-coming star he only spent one year in Polish football. In 1996 he packed his bags for the Netherlands, where he signed for Feyenoord, the team he won Dutch Keeper of the Year honours with in two straight seasons (1998/99 and 1999/00).
Fully immersed in international football, Dudek left Feyenoord in 2001 and headed to England to defend one of the most historic goals on the European continent: Liverpool. There he won several titles, including the 2005 Champions League against Milan in Istambul. Dudek was the hero of the night after saving a brilliantly struck ball by Shevchenko and then stopping two penalty kicks in the shootout.
With 56 caps under his belt, Dudek is arguably the best player Poland has produced in many years. His contributions played a crucial role in the Eastern European country making the final cut for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, during which he was the undisputed starter.
“Playing for Real Madrid is going to be a great experience, but I know it will be tough because Iker Casillas is the number one keeper. There are enough matches for everyone to get a chance. I’ll try to capitalize on my opportunities and help out in any way possible,” said Dudek on Polish national television. Despite his years of experience, Dudek has no qualms about being the second string goalkeeper. This hard-working player is humble, easy-going, and always puts the team first, and it’s for these very reasons he has become an icon among Polish children.

Real Madrid Player

1.Iker Casillas

•  Place of Birth : Mostoles, Spain
•  Date of Birth  : 20/5/1981
•  Position         : Goalkeeper
•  Weight          : 85.5 kg
•  Height           : 182.2 cm
•  Nationality    : Spanish

 Iker Casillas’ relationship with Real Madrid dates back to 1990, the same year he began working his way up through the ranks until finally earning a starting role with the First Team in the 1999/00 season.
Although Casillas was asked by Jupp Heynckes to travel with the First Team for a match against Rosenborg two seasons earlier, he continued playing for Real Madrid C until being promoted to Castilla the following season. His rapid ascent didn’t go unnoticed by the Spanish national team youth system, and in 1996 Iker won the Under-15 European Championship. Two years later he repeated as an Under-17 champion after saving a penalty kick, and in 1999 he returned from the Under-19 European Championship with another gold medal around his neck. The following year he was awarded the Bravo Trophy, which is presented to the best European footballer under the age of 21.
No one has challenged Casillas as the the starting keeper of the First Team since 1999/00, and at the age of 28 he is one of the squad’s most experienced players and the team’s fourth captain. The press hailed him as one of the “Heroes of Glasgow” after he stepped in for an injured César in the second half of the 2002 Champions League Final against Bayer Leverkusen only to make three brilliant saves in the waning minutes of the match. A few days later he was called up by Spanish national team, and an untimely injury suffered by Cañizares days before the World Cup in Japan and Korea gave Iker the starting role between the posts. He’s been the number one keeper for Real Madrid and Spain every since.
Agile, quick, intelligent, and nearly unbeatable, Casillas is arguably the best active goalkeeper in the world.