How Did the Other Real Madrid "Galácticos" Fare in Their Debuts?
Kylian Mbappé is on the verge of making his debut with Real Madrid, becoming the latest “Galáctico” to join the Merengue ranks. He will make his debut in the UEFA Super Cup, where they will face Atalanta, the Europa League winner. Let's recall how other star signings fared in their debuts with the white shirt.
1. Luis Figo (2000) Luis Figo’s transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 was one of the most controversial in history. However, Figo quickly justified his signing. His debut in the Spanish Super Cup against Galatasaray showed a glimpse of the magic he would bring throughout his time in Madrid. Although Real Madrid lost that match, Figo demonstrated his quality and quickly won the respect of the fans.
2. Zinedine Zidane (2001) Zidane arrived at Real Madrid from Juventus in 2001 for a then-record fee. His La Liga debut was on August 25, 2001, against Valencia at the Mestalla. Although the team did not secure a victory, Zidane showcased his class and vision, foreshadowing what would become a memorable career at the club, culminating in his iconic volley goal in the 2002 Champions League final.
3. Ronaldo Nazário (2002) Brazilian forward Ronaldo Nazário made his debut for Real Madrid on October 6, 2002, against Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu. Not only did he debut, but he also made a stunning impact by scoring two goals in just 30 minutes after coming on as a substitute. The Madrid fans knew from that moment they were witnessing one of the deadliest strikers in football history.
4. David Beckham (2003) Englishman David Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 from Manchester United. His official La Liga debut was against Betis, where the white team won 2-1. Beckham quickly showcased his famous ability to strike the ball, assisting teammates with precise crosses and free-kicks, and scored his first goal in his debut in the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2009) Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time, made his Real Madrid debut on August 29, 2009, against Deportivo La Coruña at the Santiago Bernabéu. CR7 did not disappoint, scoring a penalty in the 3-2 victory. From that moment on, Ronaldo became the club's main figure, accumulating goals, titles, and records throughout his historic career with Madrid.
6. Kaká (2009) Brazilian playmaker Kaká also made his debut in 2009 after being signed from AC Milan. His first official La Liga match was on the same day as Cristiano, against Deportivo La Coruña. Although his initial performance was promising, injuries hindered his time at the club, preventing him from showcasing the full extent of his talent as he had in Italy.
7. Gareth Bale (2013) Welsh winger Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 from Tottenham Hotspur. His debut was on September 14 against Villarreal, and Bale quickly made his mark by scoring a goal in his first match. Throughout his career at Madrid, Bale played key roles in crucial moments, including his iconic bicycle kick goal in the 2018 Champions League final.
