Real Madrid Confidencial Real Madrid's cast-offs who found success far from the white club: from Pedri to Robben
Not all footballers who wear Real Madrid's jersey have succeeded in white, and some have done so after leaving
Not everyone who passed through Real Madrid managed to establish themselves. Several footballers left through the back door, but excelled far from Santiago Bernabéu. In light of Pedri's statements, we review some of the most talked-about cases.
Samuel Eto’o
Madrid brought him to Europe, but never trusted him. Mallorca signed him and there he started scoring goals nonstop. That caught the attention of FC Barcelona. With the Culers, he won three La Ligas, two Champions Leagues, and a historic treble in 2009. Later, he repeated the treble with Mourinho's Inter. He is one of the greatest strikers in history.
Walter Samuel
"El Muro" failed in Madrid after arriving from Roma. One year later, he left for Inter and there he became a key piece. He won five Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia, three Supercoppa Italiana, the 2010 Champions League, and the Club World Cup. He also lifted trophies in Basel.
Juan Mata
He excelled in the youth academy, but never had a place in the first team. He went to Valencia, where he took off. At Chelsea, he was a Champions League winner and at Manchester United he became a reference point.
Arjen Robben
At Madrid, he wasn't in the coach's plans, although he didn't want to leave. His destination was Bayern. There, he became a legend. He won multiple Bundesliga titles and an unforgettable Champions League in 2013, scoring in the final.
Wesley Sneijder
He arrived at Bernabéu as a prospect, but the arrival of Cristiano and Kaká left him without a place. At Inter, he exploded. He was a key piece in the 2010 treble and was among the best in the world.
Achraf Hakimi
He grew up in La Fábrica and debuted with the first team in 2017. After his loan to Borussia Dortmund, he was sold to Inter. There, he dazzled as a wing-back. Today, he is one of the best full-backs in the world at PSG.
Pedri
At 15 years old, he had a trial at Valdebebas. Madrid rejected him and he signed for Las Palmas in 2018. One year later, he debuted with the first team. In 2020, he signed for Barcelona and today he is the blaugrana brain.
These names are a reminder that talent is not always seized at the right moment. Real Madrid let them go and outside Chamartín, they found glory.
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