Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest player in Real Madrid’s history, believed the club could have built a jaw‑dropping XI in 2018—if only they had listened to him.
Instead, CR7 walked away that summer, frustrated by the lack of backing from president Florentino Pérez.
Reports at the time revealed Ronaldo had urged Madrid to sign a select group of stars. Had the club followed his advice, their 2018‑19 lineup might have been nothing short of sensational.
GK: David De Gea
Ronaldo wanted De Gea, not Courtois, as Madrid’s goalkeeper.
In 2018, De Gea ranked among the world’s elite keepers.
A failed 2015 transfer nearly brought De Gea to Madrid earlier.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Carvajal tallied 13 assists for Ronaldo in 165 matches.
His lack of push for a new right-back indicates confidence in Carvajal’s role at the time.
CB: Marquinhos
Ronaldo wanted Madrid to remake a defense that struggled in 2017-18.
He wanted Marquinhos, but Madrid couldn’t sign him from PSG.
CB: David Alaba
Ronaldo wanted Alaba three years before he arrived at Madrid.
Alaba excelled at center-back and left-back.
Since joining in 2021, injuries have limited Alaba’s appearances.
LB: Marcelo
Had he stayed, Ronaldo likely would have wanted Marcelo to remain, too.
Their partnership produced 33 goals at Madrid.
CDM: Casemiro
Ronaldo and Casemiro had a strong relationship.
The pair were reunited at Manchester United in 2022, and CR7 has since reportedly tried to persuade the Brazilian to join him at Al-Nassr. These later actions reinforce the strong bond between them and Ronaldo’s high regard for Casemiro.
In 2018, Casemiro was the top defensive midfielder, a vital part of Madrid’s midfield.
Kroos was a consistent, important figure in 2018.
CM: Luka Modric
Ronaldo wanted a stable midfield in 2018.
He was content with the midfield options.
RW: Gareth Bale
Bale’s Champions League final brace likely secured his spot in Ronaldo’s plans.
Bale played often in 2018-19 before losing his place.
Bale stayed effective late in his Madrid stint.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo began playing centrally with Benzema rather than wide.
Without conflict with Perez, Ronaldo could’ve stayed up front, possibly replacing Benzema.
Benzema recorded his lowest-scoring Madrid season in 2017-18.
LW: Neymar
Madrid chased Neymar in 2018 as he grew frustrated with PSG.
When asked if the Brazilian could play alongside Ronaldo at Madrid, Marcelo said: “Why can’t Neymar come and Cristiano stay?
“The dressing-room all wants Cristiano to stay. And Real Madrid’s doors are always open for Neymar.
Madrid must always look for the best players. One day, Neymar will play for Real Madrid.”
Neymar stayed at PSG for five more years; the Madrid move never happened.
Seeing Neymar and Ronaldo together at Madrid would have been compelling, even for a brief moment.
