Real Madrid is the dream destination for countless footballers.
With an unmatched history, countless trophies, and the opportunity to showcase talent on the world’s biggest stage, Los Blancos represent the pinnacle of football. Yet, believe it or not, some Premier League stars have dared to say no to Real Madrid. Whether it was due to loyalty, timing, or just bad luck, these players turned down an opportunity most could only dream of. Let’s count down nine Premier League stars who shocked us all by rejecting Real Madrid.
8. Eric Cantona – Loyalty Over Ambition
During the 1995-96 season, Real Madrid’s manager Jorge Valdano tried to bring Eric Cantona to the Bernabéu. Cantona considered the offer but ultimately turned it down, citing his loyalty to Manchester United. In true Cantona fashion, he even critiqued the Bernabéu’s grass, deeming it below his standards.
7. David de Gea – The Two-Minute Transfer Saga
In 2015, David de Gea’s move to Real Madrid was all but finalized, only for the transfer documents to arrive two minutes late. The following summer, Madrid still wanted De Gea, but the goalkeeper opted to commit his future to Manchester United. Madrid’s Plan B? Sticking with Keylor Navas and later signing Thibaut Courtois.
6. David Silva – Staying Loyal to Manchester City
Real Madrid sought to weaken Manchester City by signing David Silva in 2012, just two years into his City career. However, Silva’s agent made it clear that Silva was happy in Manchester. Silva stayed, becoming a City legend over the next decade. Meanwhile, Madrid signed Luka Modrić, a move that worked out well for them too.
5. Cesc Fàbregas – Timing is Everything
In 2011, as Cesc Fàbregas prepared to return to Barcelona, Real Madrid’s president Ramon Calderón made a late effort to bring him to the Bernabéu. Fàbregas politely declined, emphasizing the timing wasn’t right. He went on to have a stellar career, never donning Madrid’s famous white kit.
4. Patrick Vieira – The Deal That Almost Happened
In 2004, Real Madrid came close to signing Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. The deal between Arsenal and Madrid was nearly complete, but Vieira had second thoughts. Interestingly, he later revealed that had he known he’d leave Arsenal for Juventus the following year, he might have accepted Madrid’s offer.
3. Roy Keane – No-Nonsense Rejection
In 2005, Roy Keane, nearing the end of his career, received a call from Real Madrid while he was… sitting on the toilet. True to his no-nonsense style, Keane dismissed the offer without hesitation. Later, Keane admitted he regretted not taking up what could have been the biggest challenge of his career. At 34, he doubted whether he could still perform at that level.
2. Luis Suárez – Controversy Changes Course
In 2014, Luis Suárez was in sensational form for Liverpool and looked set for a big move. Real Madrid held talks with his agent and were reportedly ready to sell Karim Benzema to Arsenal to make room. However, Suárez’s infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup put off Madrid, allowing Barcelona to swoop in and sign the Uruguayan. Suárez went on to form the legendary MSN trio at Barcelona, making history in Spain.
1. Steven Gerrard – The Ultimate One-Club Man
Back in the mid-2000s, Real Madrid reportedly approached Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard not once but twice. In 2004, at Zinedine Zidane’s request, Madrid wanted Gerrard to join their midfield. However, Gerrard turned down the offer and led Liverpool to their iconic Champions League triumph the following season. Madrid came knocking again in 2010, but Gerrard, then 30 years old, opted to stay loyal to Liverpool. While Gerrard’s loyalty endeared him to fans, one can only wonder if he could have added a La Liga title to his trophy cabinet.
Conclusion
Turning down Real Madrid is almost unheard of, yet these players chose loyalty, timing, or personal reasons over one of football’s greatest clubs. Each decision shaped their careers, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Which Premier League star today has the courage to say no to Los Blancos? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about La Liga
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
