Who are the most expensive 10 defenders in Real Madrid history? This question has been on the minds of fans, especially after the club’s latest defensive signings.
Real Madrid has always been known for having some of the best defenders in the world. But who tops the list as the most expensive defender in the club’s history?
Who Is the Most Expensive Defender in Real Madrid History?
Below is the full list of the most expensive 10 defenders in Real Madrid history:
1. Dean Huijsen – €59 million
Joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 after his release clause was triggered at Bournemouth. The 20-year-old is expected to become a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense in the near future. The deal made him the most expensive defender in the club’s history.
2. Álvaro Carreras – €50 million
The Spanish full-back joined Real Madrid from Benfica after the club activated his €50 million release clause. That made him the second most expensive defender ever at the club.
3. Éder Militão – €50 million
Arrived in Madrid during the summer of 2019 from FC Porto. At the time, he became the most expensive defender in the club’s history. The Brazilian center-back quickly proved his worth with his strength and speed.
4. Ferland Mendy – €48 million
The French left-back was signed from Lyon in the same summer as Militão in 2019. Real Madrid paid €48 million for his services. Despite injury setbacks, he has been one of the most consistent defensive performers.
5. Álvaro Odriozola – €32 million
The Basque right-back was signed in 2018 from Real Sociedad for €32 million. However, he failed to secure a permanent starting spot and was loaned out several times afterward.
6. Danilo – €31.5 million
In 2015, Madrid paid €31.5 million to sign Brazilian right-back Danilo from FC Porto. Despite a strong start, he didn’t live up to expectations and later moved to Manchester City and then Juventus.
7. Pepe – €30 million
One of the most successful defensive signings in Real Madrid’s history. He joined the club in 2007 from Porto for €30 million and became a defensive rock alongside Sergio Ramos, helping the team win multiple titles, including the Champions League.
8. Fábio Coentrão – €30 million
The Portuguese left-back arrived in 2011 from Benfica. Though he started well, injuries and inconsistency hampered his time at the club before eventually returning to the Portuguese league.
9. Sergio Ramos – €27 million
The youngest signing on the list in terms of age at the time of signing. Ramos joined Real Madrid in 2005 from Sevilla at just 19 years old. He started as a right-back but evolved into one of the greatest center-backs in football history and a legendary captain for the club.
10. Walter Samuel – €25 million
The tough Argentine defender joined Madrid in 2004 from Roma for €25 million. He spent just one season at the club but left a strong impression before moving back to Serie A.
Ranking of the Most Expensive Real Madrid Defenders in History
| Rank | Player Name | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dean Huijsen | €59 million |
| 2 | Álvaro Carreras | €50 million |
| 3 | Éder Militão | €50 million |
| 4 | Ferland Mendy | €48 million |
| 5 | Álvaro Odriozola | €32 million |
| 6 | Danilo | €31.5 million |
| 7 | Pepe | €30 million |
| 8 | Fábio Coentrão | €30 million |
| 9 | Sergio Ramos | €27 million |
| 10 | Walter Samuel | €25 million |
Anan Reda
