From Beckham to Bale: the history of British players at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham will become the latest British player to represent Real Madrid after his move from Borussia Dortmund to the Spanish capital. We look at those that have gone before him.

The winger was a pioneer throughout his career. From being the first Black man to play a competitive game for England to being the first Englishman to represent Real Madrid in the professional era, Cunningham created history. He joined for £950,000 from West Brom in 1979.

There were two fine seasons at Real Madrid, winning a league and cup double but a serious knee injury suffered in training meant his flying skills were somewhat reduced. Cunningham’s 44 appearances brought 21 goals and a standing ovation at the Camp Nou after dazzling the Barcelona fans in El Clásico. He would leave permanently in 1984.

Cunningham loved the lifestyle and married a Spanish woman. He returned to play for Rayo Vallecano but died in a car accident in 1989 in Madrid.

McManaman followed in Cunningham’s footsteps, deciding to leave Liverpool behind to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 1999.

McManaman immersed himself in the culture and learned Spanish quickly to help settle in his new surroundings. On the pitch he was a success, too, scoring a goal in the Champions League final to help Madrid lift the trophy at Valencia’s expense, in his first season with the club.

Despite this, Madrid were keen to get rid of McManaman but he refused to go despite being told he was surplus to requirements. His attitude won over the club and he was reinstated in the first team. He won two La Liga and Champions League titles, maintaining close ties to the club to this day.

The galáctico’s galatico. When Sir Alex Ferguson decided the time was right Beckham to exit the Old