Real Madrid’s Golden Generation: Five Retired, Cristiano Ronaldo Still Fighting, Only Two Remain at the Bernabéu

On February 6, 2024, Marcelo officially announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for one of Real Madrid’s most beloved players. The Brazilian spent 16 seasons at the club, making 546 appearances, scoring 38 goals, and providing 103 assists. His 25 trophies, including five Champions League titles, firmly cement his legendary status in Los Blancos' history.

But Marcelo was far from the only star of that glorious period. Real Madrid’s 2014 quadruple-winning squad and Zinedine Zidane’s three-peat Champions League dynasty featured an array of footballing giants. This time frame is often referred to as Real Madrid’s Golden Generation, a period of unmatched dominance in both Spain and Europe.

From that golden era, 13 players stand out as the most iconic figures: Keylor Navas, Marcelo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Dani Carvajal, Casemiro, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Isco, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. While others like Lucas Vázquez, Nacho, Morata, James Rodríguez, Mateo Kovačić, and Marco Asensio played roles in Real Madrid’s success, their impact doesn’t quite match that of these 13 legends.

Today, five of them have hung up their boots, six have moved on to other clubs, and only two remain at Real Madrid. Yet, amid all the farewells and transitions, one man still fights on—Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, remains as hungry as ever, chasing the elusive 1000-goal mark.

Five Legends Have Retired

Football’s passage of time is relentless, and for some of these stars, their careers have already reached the final whistle. Among the Golden Generation, five players have officially retired.

• Gareth Bale (Retired in January 2023, Age 33)
  Bale, once Madrid’s biggest big-game player, called it quits at just 33. The Welshman won five Champions League trophies, as well as three La Liga titles, four Club World Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups. His iconic goals, including that outrageous overhead kick against Liverpool in the 2018 UCL final, remain among the greatest moments in modern football history.

• Toni Kroos (Retired in May 2024, Age 34)
  A midfield maestro and one of the greatest passers the game has ever seen, Kroos decided to walk away from football after ten magnificent years at Real Madrid. The German won five Champions League titles, along with a total of 23 trophies. His departure signals the end of one of the most elegant playmakers in football history.

• Pepe (Retired in August 2023, Age 41)
  The warrior of Madrid’s defense, Pepe ended his 22-year career last year at the age of 41. The Portuguese center-back spent a decade at Madrid from 2007 to 2017, winning 14 trophies, including three Champions Leagues. Known for his aggressive defending, fearless tackles, and leadership, Pepe was the heart of Madrid’s backline during their early dominance.

• Raphaël Varane (Retired in September 2023, Age 31)
  One of the most shocking retirements in recent history, Varane decided to hang up his boots at just 31. The Frenchman was a prodigy at Madrid, arriving at 18 years old and becoming a key part of the squad for ten seasons. His four Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs made him a pillar of Madrid’s defense before he left for Manchester United. His early retirement left many wondering what could have been had he continued for a few more years.

• Marcelo (Retired in February 2024, Age 36)
  Madrid’s greatest-ever left-back, Marcelo finally ended his illustrious career after 16 legendary years in the Spanish capital. With 25 trophies to his name, his attacking brilliance, technical flair, and infectious charisma made him one of the most adored players in Real Madrid history.

Six Have Moved On—Cristiano Still Fighting at 40

Football is a business, and no matter how much a player means to a club, departures are inevitable. Some left in pursuit of new challenges, while others were shown the door.

• Keylor Navas (Joined Newell’s Old Boys, Age 38)
  The unsung hero of Madrid’s three-peat era, Navas left in 2019 for Paris Saint-Germain before making his latest move to Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. At 38, the Costa Rican shot-stopper is still playing, proving his longevity in the game.

• Sergio Ramos (Free Agent, Age 38)
  The captain, leader, legend of Real Madrid left in 2021 for PSG before returning to Sevilla. Now, at 38, he is a free agent, with rumors linking him to Mexican side Monterrey. Ramos' fierce leadership and unbreakable mentality defined an era at Madrid.

• Casemiro (Manchester United, Age 31)
  The Brazilian enforcer left for Manchester United in 2022, a move that marked the beginning of his decline. The Premier League has not been kind to Casemiro, and despite flashes of brilliance, he has struggled to replicate his Madrid dominance.

• Isco (Real Betis, Age 31)
  Once regarded as one of the most gifted playmakers in world football, Isco’s career took a downward turn after leaving Madrid in 2022. Now at Real Betis, he has rediscovered his magic, delighting fans once again with his dazzling dribbles and creative vision.

• Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, Age 36)
  After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Benzema opted for a big-money move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, earning €100 million per year. Though his form has dipped, the Frenchman remains one of the best strikers of his generation.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Age 40)
  The greatest goal machine in Madrid’s history left in 2018, playing for Juventus and Manchester United before joining Al-Nassr in 2023. Now at 40 years old, CR7 remains obsessed with breaking records, setting his sights on reaching 1000 career goals. His work ethic and dedication have kept him at the top even as he enters the twilight of his career.

Only Two Legends Remain at Madrid

As the golden generation fades, only two warriors still fight under the Santiago Bernabéu lights.

• Luka Modrić (Real Madrid Captain, Age 39)
  Now officially the club captain, the 39-year-old Croatian maestro continues to be a crucial part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. His leadership, intelligence, and technical excellence remain priceless assets for Madrid.

• Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Age 33)
  The ever-reliable right-back has stayed true to Madrid but is currently recovering from a knee ligament tear. If he can return to form, he will continue to be an integral part of the squad.

A Dynasty’s Legacy

Time has scattered Real Madrid’s Golden Generation, but their impact on football history is everlasting. Some have retired as legends, others continue to fight on foreign soil, and a select few still wear the white jersey with pride.

Yet, through all the change, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the ultimate warrior, pushing his body to the limit in a relentless pursuit of history. His journey is a testament to unmatched dedication, discipline, and obsession with greatness.

The golden era may be over, but the echoes of their glory will never fade.