French newspaper L'Equipe has revealed the wages of some Ligue 1's biggest earners – but who takes home the most cash?
Gettyimages30Thomas Meunier (PSG)€260,000 per monthAdvertisementGetty Images29Steven Jovetic (Monaco)€280,000 per monthGetty Images28Kamil Glik (Monaco)€290,000 per monthENJOYED THIS STORY?
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Gettyimages27Bertrand Traore (Lyon)€300,000 per month
After the Frenchman announced his departure on Thursday, a look at some of the names who could take over at the Santiago Bernabeu next season
Getty ImagesANTONIO CONTEThe Italian will be available as he is set to leave Chelsea imminently after two years in London. A serial winner, he would be likely to guarantee success in La Liga but his style of play may not attract Madrid fans. His record in the Champions League is also disappointing.AdvertisementMAURICIO POCHETTINOThe Tottenham manager has only just signed a new five-year contract with the north London club, but he has long been admired by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. His Spurs side beat Los Blancos in the Champions League group stages and he is the current favourite with bookmakers to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2018-19. However, Tottenham would not let him leave without a huge fight.Getty ImagesARSENE WENGERThe French manager turned down Real Madrid in the past out of loyalty to Arsenal, but is available now after leaving the Gunners at the end of the 2017-18 season following 22 years in charge of the north London club. The 68-year-old has said he wants to continue coaching and could be considered by Los Blancos, perhaps as a short-term option.ENJOYED THIS STORY?
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GettyJOACHIM LOWThe Germany coach extended his contract with the world champions to 2022 recently, but he is another long linked to Real Madrid and admired by president Florentino Perez. Low is currently preparing Germany's World Cup defence after the Mannschaft were crowned champions in 2014, but he could be tempted if things do not go to plan in Russia this summer.
With 2020 approaching, Goal has decided to pick out the best players to have graced the French top-flight over the past 10 years
Getty ImagesGK: Steve Mandanda
Goalkeepers have come and goalkeepers have gone over the last decade in Ligue 1, but Marseille’s Steve Mandanda has – but for a brief ill-fated foray to Crystal Palace – stuck around.
The OM shot-stopper has not been universally appreciated over the last decade, but having been named the league’s best goalkeeper on four occasions since 2010, he has clearly done something right to win the respect of his fellow professionals.
Eclipsed by Hugo Lloris at international level, he boasts one Ligue 1 title and three Coupe de la Ligue trophies since 2010.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Christophe Jallet
Jallet may not be the most glamorous name in the Ligue 1 Team of the Decade, but no-one can deny that the 35-year-old has been one of the most consistent players in Le Championnat over the last 10 years.
Indeed, he has spent the duration of that time at France’s largest clubs, one of the few pre-QSI signings to survive for any length of time at Paris Saint-Germain before stints at Lyon and Nice.
Now playing his football with Amiens, he is a two-time Ligue 1 champion, a winner of the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue.
GettyCB: Marquinhos
When Marquinhos signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 from Roma, there was a sense that the teenage Brazilian might have been using the Ligue 1 side as a stepping stone to Barcelona. Certainly, there has been interest from the Camp Nou outfit since, but he has committed his foreseeable future to PSG.
At 25, he has matured into one of the finest defenders in the game, showing not only quality but the versatility to fill numerous different roles, including right-back and central midfield, where he has been used with increasing success over the last year. A five-time Ligue 1 winner.
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GettyCB: Thiago Silva
Since 2012, Thiago Silva has been a fixture in the Paris Saint-Germain defence, making nearly 200 Ligue 1 appearances for the Parc des Princes outfit.
When he arrived in France, he was arguably the finest centre-back in the game due to his incredible ability to read play, and though at 35 his reputation may have slipped off such a lofty perch, he retains much of his class.
He has won six Ligue 1 titles with PSG and has been in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year on seven occasions.
The lowdown on one of football's most intriguing characters
With the eyes of the world watching, Erling Haaland showed he was the real deal after last week's disappointing Community Shield performance, scoring twice on his Premier League debut for Manchester City in the 2-0 win at West Ham.
It is hard to think of a player who has made a bigger impact both on and off the pitch in recent seasons. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, he has smashed records, embarrassed goalkeepers, and positioned himself alongside Kylian Mbappe as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Refreshingly, as well as being a 'tremendous Nordic meat shield' when he crosses the white line, Haaland is also blessed with an infectious, quirky personality away from the field.
So, now that we're all going to be talking about him, GOAL thought it was the perfect time to give you all of the facts to share with your mates.
Getty ImagesBorn in Leeds – and could have played for England
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few seasons, you'll know that Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, was a pretty handy footballer himself, perhaps most famous for having his career pretty much ended by a vengeful Roy Keane.
During his own career in the 1990s and early 2000s, the midfielder turned out for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City. It was during his time in West Yorkshire that his son Erling was born.
Unfortunately for Gareth Southgate, the striker never showed an inkling to represent his birth nation, instead joining Norway's international setup.
AdvertisementBut he was raised a City fan
Despite being born in West Yorkshire, it was City – one of his father's other clubs – that Haaland supported as a kid.
He confirmed as much when he signed for the club this summer, saying: "I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club.
“In the end, [deciding to sign was down to] two things. I feel at home here and I feel I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."
Getty ImagesHe won the genetic lottery
Haaland was fortunate enough to be blessed with not one, but two sporting parents.
As well as growing up around football through his father, his mother Gry Marita Braut was a champion heptathlete back in the day. And that, reader, is why he is an absolute specimen.
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World record holder
A huge shoutout to André Noruega for discovering this gem. We'd quite like an end of season Premier League standing jump as part of a sports day. Sprints, discus, maybe even a bit of wrestling.
The 17-year-old Spain youth international has already played in the Premier League and Champions League, and looks to have a big future at Anfield
It didn't take long for Stefan Bajcetic to make his mark on Merseyside. There was little fanfare when Liverpool signed the teenager from Celta Vigo in February 2021, but Reds sources believe the deal could turn out to be one of the shrewdest the club has done in quite some time.
The 17-year-old, who plays as either a centre-back or holding midfielder, has already made an impression on Jurgen Klopp, impressing enough during pre-season to be handed his Premier League debut as a substitute against Bournemouth in August.
Since then, Bajcetic has become Liverpool's youngest-ever Champions League player, appearing off the bench against Ajax aged 17 years, 10 months and 22 days.
He is already capped at Under-19s level by Spain, and with Liverpool's midfield () set to undergo something of a revolution in the coming months and years, it is expected that Bajcetic could have a big part to play.
But who is the Reds' latest teenage prodigy? NXGN takes a closer look…
Where it all began
Footballing talent clearly runs in the Bajcetic family. His father, Srdan, was a professional, a Serbian midfielder who played for the likes of Braga, Red Star Belgrade and Dalian Shide during a 12-year career.
Bajcetic Sr. also spent three seasons with Celta, where he played alongside Mazinho, the father of Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, and it was in Vigo that Stefan was born, in October 2004.
Celta signed him at the age of nine, having seen him playing for a local club. Alex Otero, Celta's academy co-ordinator, recalls being struck by his strength and athleticism, and believes the input and experience of his father has been key to Bajcetic's development, both as a player and as a professional.
"His father is the clear example of how parents should act with their children when they play sports," Otero tells NXGN. "He always respects his coaches and the club, gives little but good advice to Stefan, he lets the club work and never has bad words towards anyone.
"Without a doubt, I believe that one of the keys to Stefan's success is the good work of his father."
Bajcetic progressed well at Celta, where he would switch between defence and midfield, impressing with his passing range, understanding of the game and what coaches describe as a "first-class" attitude.
"He was always a high-level player," Otero, who coached him at U12 level, says. "And something very important is that he was always well liked by his team-mates and by the club's employees.
"It was clear that he was the most impressive player in his age-group."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe big break
Having caught the eye at Celta, and with Spain's youth teams, it was inevitable that Europe's big guns would eventually come calling.
They did so in the winter of 2020, when Premier League clubs were keen to move before new Brexit rules, which would make it more complicated to recruit promising young overseas talent, came into force.
Manchester United and Chelsea were among those who made pitches to Bajcetic and his family, while there was of course interest from a host of clubs in La Liga, including Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
Liverpool, though, won the race. The Reds paid a fee of €250,000 (£220k/$243k) to land him, and he moved to Merseyside in February 2021.
"The family were convinced that Liverpool is a club that looks after young men really well," Otero told last year. "Other big clubs in Spain wanted him but they chose Liverpool for the academy system. We hoped he could be an elite player for Celta, but we understand the proposal came and Celta cannot be at that level."
Bajcetic started out in Liverpool's U16 team, but by the end of the 2020-21 season he was a fixture in Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's U18 side, playing mainly as a central defender.
"It was difficult to leave all my friends, my family and the place I was living for all my life," he told in the summer. But I love the football here and it's my dream."
It was in the following season, 2021-22, that the whispers started. "We've signed a gem," one Liverpool academy source told NXGN early in that campaign. Bajcetic was impressing on a weekly basis by that point, either in defence or at the base of midfield.
He appeared in the UEFA Youth League against the likes of Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto, and by November 2021, just a few weeks after his 17th birthday, he had been invited to train with Liverpool's first-team.
It was there that he caught the eye of Klopp and his staff. Pep Lijnders remembers being struck by the youngster's poise and calmness.
"Jurgen immediately said he could reach the No.6 for us," Lijnders wrote in his book, "I was so happy because we’d searched for a while for a talented No.6.
"Hopefully he could fill this position one day, but he was the surprise of [that] international break. You only get seven seconds to make a first impression on whether people feel positively or negatively about you, but as a footballer it’s probably 70 minutes, so it was definitely a case of ‘Well done, Stefan!’"
How it's going
Bajcetic continued to impress for Liverpool's U18s, and swiftly made the step up to Barry Lewtas' U21s while training regularly with the seniors.
A back injury brought an early end to the 2021-22 campaign, but Klopp, Lijnders and Co. had seen enough to know they wanted him with the first-team for pre-season. Bajcetic joined fellow rookies Bobby Clark, Luke Chambers and Isaac Mabaya in the squad for the two-match tour of the Far East in July, impressing in run-outs against both Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
He stayed with the senior squad when they returned to Europe, playing against RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, and made his first Anfield appearance in the friendly defeat to Strasbourg on the eve of the campaign.
With injuries biting, he was on the bench for Liverpool's first three Premier League games, and his debut would come in the fourth. He replaced Jordan Henderson for the final 20 minutes of the Reds' 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth, walking through the mixed zone afterwards with a smile wider than the gulf between the two sides.
His senior Champions League debut has followed since, a late cameo appearance against Ajax in September, and Bajcetic will have his eye on further first-team appearances in the coming months, especially with Liverpool's options depleted and so many of Klopp's senior players struggling for form and confidence.
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Getty ImagesBiggest strengths
It is not hard to spot Bajcetic's strengths. Quite simply, he is just a fine footballer, who does the basics well but possesses a composure and awareness which goes way beyond his tender years.
"He has great presence on the field," says Otero. "He turns very easily and has a great ability to go forward under pressure.
"When he signed for Celta, the first thing I noticed was his stride. He has always had great physical ability, which will help him to stand out in modern football."
At Kirkby, where Liverpool's first-team and academy sides are based, staff have been struck by Bajcetic's aerial ability. He is tall enough, a little over six foot, but it is his timing and aggression in the air which stands out. "The sign of a good player," as one academy source tells NXGN.
On the ball, there is a poise and a calmness to Bajcetic's play. He stays central, bringing rhythm and tempo, but is able to break the press with a turn or first-time forward pass. Defensively, he offers protection to his centre-backs, reading the game well, picking up second balls and snapping into tackles when needed.
"We’ve worked a lot with him in that position," says Bridge-Wilkinson, coach of Liverpool's U18s. "It’s all about attributes. Stefan is a very gifted footballer. He’s a good passer of the ball and he’s very good at winning possession back."
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Featuring cutting-edge picks and timeless classics from Umbro, adidas, Nike and more
If you're looking to get onto a football pitch for the first or the five-hundredth time, it's always a great occasion to pick up a fresh set of football boots. There are more boots than ever to choose from today, but arguably, you still can't beat the feel of an old-fashioned leather boot.
Today's leather boots come with all the added features of modern boots, so you won't miss out on any cutting-edge improvements that have been made over the years.
We've rounded up the best leather boots you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game – alongside answering the most commonly asked questions by players looking to get the most out of their purchase.
Are leather boots best?
Whether leather boots are better than their synthetic is debatable. Still, it's hard to deny that they produce superior stability widely treasured by some of the game's leading players.
Their leather uppers tend to be rigid in support and able to weather frequent usage. In contrast, their construction makes them heavier than the rest of their counterparts – a double-edged sword that makes them typically heavy-set but more traditionally durable.
Their well-honed construction, honed over decades of boot-making techniques, means that while some consider them old-fashioned, they stand the test of time.
What surfaces can leather boots be used on?
Leather boots can be used on any surface, so what kind of leather boot you need depends on what surface you intend to play on.
A studded option is preferable if you're playing on turf surfaces, while indoor courts will require a springy rubber sole instead. Luckily, leather boots can be found for every terrain.
If you're looking for football boots suitable on other surfaces, read GOAL's comprehensive round-up of the
best football boots in 2023.What is the difference between leather boots and others?
Several differences – some large, some subtle – exist between leather boots and boots designed from other materials. Studded soles, for example, are a non-starter for indoor courts.
Leather boots tend to be wrought with more obvious markings and may well be marginally heavier than expected – but they will still deliver the same functionality and support found with other boots, possibly even more so. With that in mind, here are the best leather football boots you can get.
Shop: The best leather football boots
adidas' Copa Sense+ is a top-of-the-line leather shoe that delivers superb comfort and ball control – balancing stability and softness for a top-drawer moulded finish that takes the breath away.
A suede-like inner lining beneath a leather Primeknit upper delivers the quality material touch you'd demand. At the same time, foam SensePods bulk up the space between heel and ankle to offer more command. Meanwhile, its laceless finish means you'll be able to strike the ball sweetly.
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There's no need to break the bank for a pair of leather boots – and these adidas shoes, designed for the traditional firm ground terrain, are proof that you do not need to skimp on quality when buying a great pair.
You can count on the adidas Copa to help you be one with the ball and sharpen your football senses. An all-lace fastening for a snug fit with a comfy synthetic upper reduces distractions when making those sharp turns on the pitch, leaving your opponents in the dust – designed in primarily black colour, with white adidas embellishments throughout for a classy finish.
The Copa Mundial, made famous on the stages of Spain in 1982, is still a superb leather boot all these years later. The fact that it has stood the test of time is a testament to the quality infused throughout its design.
The premium, soft K-leather upper boldly features adidas' iconic three stripes, while the signature tongue covers the top of the laces and the inner is lined with nylon. It's simple but effective, providing durability, comfort and a cushioned first touch.
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Those who play their games in sports halls can also get a top pair of leather boots with the Umbro Speciali Eternal Team NT, which delivers on its promises.
Marrying a full-grain leather vamp and memory foam insert to create a comfortable fit provides intelligent response over challenging terrain – and a removable sockliner insert helps mould it to the foot with satisfaction.
On a night when many of his team-mates disappointed, the Argentine attacker inspired a 3-1 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho struck a brilliant late goal to drag a sloppy Manchester United past West Ham United and into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The Argentine ran the visitors ragged for large chunks of the game but David Moyes' went ahead in the second half with a controversial strike from Said Benrahma, after the ball had appeared to go out of play.
However, a fortuitous Nayef Aguerd own goal brought United level and then, with extra-time beckoning, Garnacho effectively won the game with a deadly turn of pace and stunning strike in the 90th minute.
Fred then made sure of the victory with an added-time goal as West Ham's heads dropped.
Below, GOAL rates Man United's players after a lacklustre performance from Erik ten Hag's side that ended on a glorious note…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
David de Gea (7/10):
Collected a trophy before kick-off for breaking the club's clean sheet record and followed it up with some stunning saves in each half, keeping his side in the game.
Diogo Dalot (4/10):
Offered little going forward and crucially switched off for the goal when he thought the ball had gone out of play, allowing Paqueta to drift past him and pass to Benrahma.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Was pretty solid and made some important tackles in addition to some useful passes into midfield. Still the fifth-choice centre-back but equipped himself well.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Not a bad performance but did little to suggest he will be usurping Varane or Martinez any time soon.
Tyrell Malacia (4/10):
Rarely caused West Ham any problems in defence and a lot of the visitors' bright moments came down his left side.
AdvertisementMidfield
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Dictated United's play but his passing was sloppy for large parts of the game until he made amends with a dangerous delivery to spark Aguerd's own goal.
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Sparked a bright early move leading to Sabitzer's shot on goal but struggled to contain West Ham's middle men and was hooked at half-time.
Marcel Sabitzer (6/10):
Nearly opened the scoring with a thumping strike but did little else.
GettyAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
United's most dangerous player. His every move scared the life out of West Ham, who often resorted to cynically fouling him, before deciding the game with a sensational strike.
Wout Weghorst (5/10):
Wasted a clear chance in the second half with a heavy touch and poor finish. Still struggling to dovetail with his attacking team-mates although is at least working hard.
Antony (5/10):
Made lots of sloppy passes and did not test Areola with any of his trademark shots from distance.
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Subs & Manager
Casemiro (6/10):
Did not play to the whistle when Soucek kept the ball in play but made amends with dominant performance.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Played far forward after coming on and nearly scored with a bicycle kick. Much more effective than Lindelof in attack.
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Helped United push the visitors back and almost scored when his shot drifted just past the far post.
Fred (7/10):
Came on in the 86th minute but managed to make a difference, scoring his second goal at Old Trafford in as many games.
Raphael Varane (N/A);
Only introduced for the last minute of added time.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
Took a gamble by making so many changes but made amends by making the right substitutions which got the job done.
The Gunners are expected to spend big this summer, with Chelsea star Mason Mount also being spoken about as a target at the Emirates Stadium
If things had panned out differently in January, Moises Caicedo would be preparing to face his former team on Sunday as Arsenal entertain Brighton at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were desperate to land the Seagulls midfielder to boost their title chances over the second half of the season, but saw two bids rejected before eventually backing off in the face of firm Brighton resistance.
It was a blow for Arsenal, one that was softened when they managed to get Jorginho in through the door from Chelsea soon after. But it was a bigger blow for Caicedo, who had very publicly attempted to push the move through when he took to social media and called for Brighton to let him go.
Many wondered whether there would be a way back for the Ecuador international at the Amex Stadium after that, but Roberto De Zerbi stood by him and brought him back into fold almost as soon as the transfer window had shut. The 21-year-old has since gone to sign a new contract with the south coast club.
But that hasn’t stopped talk of a summer exit, and as Caicedo prepares to come up against Arsenal for the first time since those dramatic January events, he knows the Gunners still have him in their minds as they look towards the summer window.
GettyA warm welcome?
Caicedo may have signed a new deal, but that does not guarantee that he will still be a Brighton player next season. And with Arsenal’s focus this summer very much on strengthening their midfield, his name will once again be continuously mentioned alongside the north London club.
It will be interesting to see what sort of reception he gets on Sunday afternoon. Mykhailo Mudryk, another failed January target for Arsenal, was heavily booed by supporters at the Emirates when he came off the bench for Chelsea last week.
But the situations are, of course, very different. Mudryk ended up signing for Chelsea when the Gunners were unable to strike a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk. Caicedo stayed put at Brighton and his future remains uncertain. That is likely to mean he will receive a very different reception to the one the Ukrainian winger was subjected to during Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat.
AdvertisementGettyArteta's midfield rebuild
What Arsenal will do with their midfield is the big talking point ahead of the summer window. Arteta wants reinforcements. That’s why Caicedo was targeted in January and that’s why West Ham skipper Declan Rice is the focus of attention as the season draws towards a close.
Whether the Gunners attempt to sign both in the summer remains be seen. The plan in January was to sign Caicedo and then move for Rice at the end of the season. So with that in mind, you would think that landing both would still be on the agenda.
But a lot depends of the finances involved. Brighton rejected £70m ($88m) for Caicedo just a few months ago and he has signed a new contract since then, so you would expect they are going to want far more to agree to a deal now.
Getty'Not something we tend to get involved with'
There is no release clause in Caicedo’s new contract, as has been confirmed by Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber. "No, we don't operate like that," Barber told “We try and avoid things like that because they become such a point of discussion and negotiation that you spend hours and hours on something that may not happen, or if it does happen it may not be the right price at the right time. We know other clubs use them, that's fine, but it's not something we tend to get involved with."
So Brighton are in a very strong position when it comes to demanding what they want for Caicedo, who has also attracted interest from clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea. He now has a contract on the south coast until 2027, with the Seagulls holding an option to extend that by a further 12 months.
If they were in a good position with the player in January, they are in an even better one now.
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(C)Getty ImagesJorginho’s arrival
It must be remembered that Arsenal do also now have Jorginho on their books, a player who has proven his worth in recent matches following his move from Chelsea. No-one thinks Jorginho is the long-term answer to Arsenal’s midfield, but the player that they turned to when Caicedo was deemed unattainable does still have another year left on his contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
So whether Arsenal can afford to sign both Caicedo and Rice is questionable.West Ham are believed to want over £100m ($126m) to sell their captain. Some reports have even suggested they want £120m ($151m). That would be a figure that would smash Arsenal’s transfer record, which currently stands at the £72m they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe.
And should West Ham receive that amount for Rice, Brighton would be well within their rights to demand something similar for their star midfielder.
“We'll see what happens,” Caicedo said, when discussing his future during an interview with last month. “I just want to have a really good season with Brighton now, to finish off the season well and play really well.”
The Three Lions star has completed his move to the Santiago Bernabeu – but how have his compatriots fared at Spain's biggest club?
After three superb seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham is taking on his next challenge. It has been confirmed that the 19-year-old has officially sealed a much-anticipated move to Real Madrid, who have paid a guaranteed €103m (£88m/$110m) to bring him to La Liga.
Bellingham had also been a target for Manchester City and Liverpool, but the England star decided that the Santiago Bernabeu is the best place for his development. Real certainly have a strong recent history when it comes to nurturing young talent, with Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde all thriving under Carlo Ancelotti last season.
Bellingham will be competing with that all-star trio for a regular spot in midfield, which shouldn't faze him in the slightest. He has already proven he can deliver at the very highest level with Dortmund and the Three Lions.
But history suggests that success won't come easy for Bellingham in the Spanish capital. Only five English players have played for Real before him, and not all of them managed to live up to expectations in an environment that can quickly become a pressure cooker if things aren't going well.
GettyLaurie Cunningham
Way before the Galactico era that saw Real fork out huge fees on players such as Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, Laurie Cunningham became the club's most expensive signing ever when joining from West Brom for £950,000.
After making the move in 1979, rumour has it the talented winger nutmegged Jose Antonio Camacho in his very first training session, which set the tone for what was to come. Cunningham spent the next five years of his career at the Bernabeu, scoring 19 goals in 62 appearances.
Real stormed to a league and cup double in Cunningham's debut campaign, as he made an instant impact with his searing pace and skill. Barcelona were among his victims that year as he shone in a 2-0 away victory for Real to earn a standing ovation from the Camp Nou crowd – a feat that no other Blancos player in their illustrious history has managed.
An unfortunate run of injuries eventually led to Cunningham being loaned out to Manchester United and Sporting Gijon, before he was sold outright to Marseille. Cunningham went on to play for Leicester City and Rayo Vallecano, and also won six caps for England over the course of his career.
He was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 33 in 1989, but his legacy lives on and he will always have a special place in the hearts of Real supporters.
AdvertisementGettySteve McManaman
Real didn't look to English shores for new talent again until the approach of the new millennium, with Steve McManaman catching their eye after nine years on Liverpool's books. He won the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield, but the quality of his performances went under the radar to an extent due to the fact he played in a disjointed Reds squad that had fallen behind Manchester United and Arsenal.
Real wasn't the most stable club when he joined either, with iconic forward Raul famously sounding an ominous warning to his new team-mate upon his arrival in Spain. "The dressing room is a cesspit of lies, treachery and whispers," he said. "I feel sorry for new players like Steve McManaman coming into the club. If McManaman thinks he is coming to one of the world’s top clubs, then he has made a big mistake."
The nimble-footed winger began life at Real with an assist and a goal in his first two appearances, but they were unable to build up any consistency in the league and John Toshack paid the price with his job. Vincente del Bosque was drafted in to replace him in the dugout, and McManaman then played a vital role in Los Blancos' surge back up the table and run to the Champions League final.
Real ultimately fell short in La Liga, but lifted their seventh European Cup after a 3-0 win against Valencia in an all-Spanish showpiece. McManaman set up Fernando Morientes' opener and doubled Real's advantage with a superb volley from just outside the box, before Raul wrapped up the victory late on.
From that point onwards, McManaman's status as a key member of Del Bosque's squad was secure. He went on to help Real win two La Liga titles and another European Cup, before departing for Manchester City in 2003.
During an interview in 2015, Del Bosque summed up why McManaman became a cult hero at the Bernabeu: “He was a caballero, a gentleman, a stupendous guy; he always had a smile, he never complained, he was great, a leader. He related to everyone very well; he united people.”
GettyDavid Beckham
Real's Galactico era was in full swing back in the summer of 2003, and Florentino Perez had his sights set on one more addition to complete a star-studded squad full of world-class talent. Enter David Beckham, who completed a £25 million switch to the Bernabeu after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League across 11 glorious years at Manchester United.
"He is a man of our times and a symbol of modern-day stardom," the Real president said at Beckham's grand unveiling. "And what is certain is Real Madrid have signed Beckham because he's a great footballer and a very dedicated professional."
Beckham didn't boast the same level of genius on the ball as Zidane, or the goalscoring prowess of Ronaldo and Raul, but he quickly won over the Madrid faithful with his industrious style of play and brilliance from set-pieces.
As it turned out, though, the big names didn't deliver big rewards. Beckham's Real career opened with success in the Supercopa de Espana, but he would only win one more piece of silverware after that. Valencia won the 2003-04 La Liga crown before Barcelona stormed to back-to-back domestic crowns under Frank Rijkaard to become the dominant force in Spanish football.
Beckham did enjoy one final hurrah, however, as Los Blancos rallied to wrestle the title away from their fiercest rivals in 2006-07. Fabio Capello only used the England captain sparingly at the beginning of the campaign, and it looked like he had played his last game for Real after it was announced in January that he had agreed on a move to MLS outfit LA Galaxy.
But Beckham fought his way back into favour and was one of the driving forces behind Real's run to their 30th La Liga crown, which they sealed courtesy of a superior head-to-head record against Barca after a dramatic final-day draw against Real Zaragoza.
Real reportedly raked in over $600m in merchandising sales during Beckham's time at the club, and he remains a popular figure in Madrid to this day.
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GettyMichael Owen
A year after Beckham's arrival, Real decided it was a good idea to pair him with his England team-mate Michael Owen, who had become one of the most prolific strikers in Europe at Liverpool. He hit 158 goals in 297 games across all competitions for the Reds, and became only the fourth English player to ever win the Ballon d'Or after an outstanding 2000-01 season.
That was when Real initially started tracking Owen, when he was at the very peak of his powers – a lightning-fast, dynamic forward with unerring composure in front of goal. Unfortunately, when they eventually managed to sign him, his decline had already begun. Niggling injuries held him back during his final season at Liverpool, and he seemed to lose some of his explosive pace as a result.
The modest £8m fee Real paid for Owen's services reflected that, and he spent his first few months at the Bernabeu on the bench. He failed to score in his first six appearances for the club, but finally got off the mark to fire Real to a 1-0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kiev in October, which gave him an injection of confidence.
Owen scored six goals in his next eight outings, and ended up finishing the campaign with 16 to his name across all competitions. He was Real's second-top scorer in La Liga behind Ronaldo despite only making 20 starts, but he never really settled in Spain, and the summer arrivals of Robinho and Julio Baptista made a return to the Premier League inevitable.
"My family struggled. I could write a book on the year. I enjoyed the football but my family wanted to come home," Owen told in 2013. Newcastle took him off Real's hands in the end, and he went on to play for Manchester United and Stoke City before retiring at 33 after a whole host of serious injuries.
Inter will be huge underdogs when they face Manchester City in the final of this season's competition, but history suggests they can spring an upset
Pep Guardiola is on the cusp of immortality. The Spaniard is already revered as one of the greatest managers of all time, but he will have no equal if he brings the Champions League back to Manchester City.
City have dominated English football under Guardiola over the last six seasons, but a maiden European title has so far proven elusive. After several years of underachieving, they finally reached the final in 2020-21, only to be beaten by English rivals Chelsea, and suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Real Madrid in last season's semi-finals.
Guardiola's men exacted revenge over Real at the same stage this time around, though, and are now the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy in Istanbul. Coppa Italia winners Inter are the only team left standing in their way, and no one is giving the Nerazzurri a chance against the Premier League champions. But that could be an advantage for Simeone Inzaghi. His Inter side can play without pressure in the final, having already exceeded expectations by making it this far.
The Italian giants can also draw confidence from the past. The Champions League has seen a whole host of surprise results since the turn of the century, with lesser teams often raising their level to overcome insurmountable odds.
But which upsets have sent the biggest shockwaves through the footballing world? GOAL takes a look…
Man Utd 1-1 Porto (Last 16, 2004)
UEFA Cup holders Porto qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League after finishing second in their group behind Real Madrid, and were rewarded with a huge tie against Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
The Red Devils were expected to blow past the Portuguese side, but Jose Mourinho's team flipped the script at Estadio Do Dragao. Porto won the first leg of the last-16 encounter 2-1 thanks to a Benny McCarthy brace, with United's misery compounded by a red card for Roy Keane.
United had to make do without their captain for the return leg at Old Trafford, but they still managed to put one foot in the quarter-finals thanks to a first-half header from Paul Scholes. The hosts held onto their lead until Porto won a free-kick 25-yards from goal in stoppage-time.
McCarthy tried to bend the ball into the top corner, but didn't quite get enough pace on it, and Tim Howard really should have made a simple catch. Unfortunately for United fans, the American fumbled, and midfielder Costinha was on hand to turn the rebound into the net.
Mourinho leapt from his seat in the dugout and ran down the touchline to celebrate with his players as Ferguson was left speechless. Porto captain Jorge Costa aptly summed up the incredible scenes in his post-match interview: "When Costinha scored, I was going crazy. Mourinho was going crazy. Everybody was going crazy."
Porto would go on to win the tournament, beating fellow underdogs Monaco 3-0 in the final. Mourinho then made the jump to Chelsea, renewing his rivalry with United and Ferguson in the process.
AdvertisementGettyReal Madrid 1-4 Ajax (Last 16, 2019)
Real Madrid looked nailed on for a place in the last eight of the 2018-19 Champions League after beating Ajax 2-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Amsterdam. Confidence should have been high in the Real ranks after Marco Asensio's late winner, but they allowed complacency to creep in at Santiago Bernabeu.
Ajax stunned Los Blancos by racing into a 2-0 lead inside 18 minutes, with Hakim Ziyech and David Neres scoring the goals. Dusan Tadic made it three just after the hour mark with a brilliant curled strike from just outside the area, leaving Real with a mountain to climb.
Asensio pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Lasse Schone scored a spectacular free-kick to put the game to bed for Ajax moments later. Nacho was then sent off for a second bookable offence as frustrations boiled over for Madrid late on, with the Dutch giants ultimately holding on for a famous victory.
Real were sliced open in the absence of Sergio Ramos, who was handed a two-match ban for deliberating forcing a yellow card in the first leg. But even if he had been available, it seems unlikely that the Spanish giants would have stopped Ajax.
Erik ten Hag's exciting young team repeated the trick against Juventus in the quarter-finals, winning 2-1 in Turin before picking up a 1-1 draw at home to progress. Ajax were the victims of an incredible Tottenham comeback in the semi-finals, but their unlikely run was still the biggest story of the European season.
GettyJuventus 0-3 Villarreal (Last 16, 2022)
After signing from Fiorentina in January 2022, Dusan Vlahovic scored the quickest-ever goal from a Champions League debutant to give Juventus the lead after 33 seconds against Villarreal at El Madrigal. Dani Parejo scored a second-half equaliser for the Yellow Submarine to level the last-16 tie, but there was a general feeling at full-time that Juve had already done the hard work in Spain to qualify.
Massimiliano Allegri's side pushed for a winning goal right from the off in the second leg at the Allianz Stadium, while Villarreal seemed happy to sit back and absorb pressure. They defended deep and in numbers throughout the second half too, but sprung into life just as Juve started to tire.
Substitute Gerard Moreno broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 78th minute, and Pau Torres stunned Juve with a close-range finish to double Villarreal's lead four minutes later. Arnaut Danjuma then had the final say in stoppage-time as he also converted a penalty after Matthijs De Ligt was punished for a handball in the box.
Allegri struck a bitter tone after the game, telling reporters: "Villarreal defended with 11 men, clearly trying to bring the game to extra-time. Then that goal changed everything."
Unai Emery, meanwhile, conjured up another masterful gameplan in the quarter-finals as Villarreal beat the Bayern Munich 1-0 at home before earning a 1-1 draw with the German giants at Allianz Arena. Liverpool ended their journey in the last four, but Villarreal also came tantalising close to another upset in that tie, and exited the competition with their heads held high.ENJOYED THIS STORY?
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GettyDeportivo La Coruna 4-0 Milan (Quarter-finals, 2004)
Deportivo's 2003-04 Champions League campaign was quite the rollercoaster ride. The Spanish side finished second in their group behind Monaco, who battered them 8-3 at the Stade Louis II in one of the craziest games the competition has ever seen.
They shored up their defence in the last 16, however, to beat Juventus 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie against holders AC Milan. Deportivo then made a dream start in the first leg at San Siro.
Walter Pandiani fired Javier Irueta's side ahead after just 11 minutes to silence the home crowd, but it would prove to be a false dawn. Milan's class shone through in the end as a Kaka double and goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo wrapped up a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The Rossoneri should have been home and dry, but this Deportivo team didn't know when to quit. Pandiani scored another early goal in the return leg at Estadio Riazor, and this time they didn't buckle.
Juan Carlos Valeron and Albert Luque made it 3-0 before the break, and club captain Fran added a fourth in the latter stages of the game to cap a remarkable performance. Irueta said after the final whistle: "The game turned out exactly the way I dreamed. It was almost mission impossible."
Eventual champions Porto knocked Deportivo out in the semis, but they were already winners in the eyes of their supporters. The memory of Milan's capitulation has never left former boss Carlo Ancelotti, who said in 2017: "I want to forget, but I'm not able to."