Fofana, Haaland, Kvaratskhelia… What do these names have in common, apart from their immense talent? They all have one dream in common: to one day pull on the legendary white jersey of Real Madrid. Behind their stated ambitions, discover all the stars of today who still dream of wearing the white shirt one day.

Real Madrid is more than just a football club. It’s an institution that symbolises excellence, history and the glory of sport. Its Champions League victories, immortal legends and ability to dominate the national and European stages make it a veritable temple of football. Every season, players from all over the world hope to one day shine on the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.

Although Kylian Mbappé realised his dream of joining the Casa Blanca club last summer, other football stars are still waiting for their time to come. Given its needs and priorities, the club cannot fulfil the dreams of all its stars. One example is Erling Haaland, who has opted to extend his contract with Manchester City until 2034, knowing that with Vinicius and Mbappé on his books, he will find it difficult to play at the Bernabeu. The Real de Madrid editorial team presents a list of stars who have always wanted to play for Real Madrid.

Wesley Fofana still wants to play for Real Madrid

Recruited by Chelsea for 82 million euros, Wesley Fofana makes no secret of his admiration for Real Madrid. In 2021, he put it bluntly: ‘My dream club is Real Madrid. It’s the biggest club in the world’. Even though he now plays in the Premier League, he still seems to have Spain in the back of his mind. Scottish legend Graeme Souness even said: ‘Good luck to Chelsea if Real Madrid call him.

Kvaratskhelia at PSG while waiting for Real Madrid

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has just left Naploi for PSG this winter. But the Georgian striker also harbours a deep love for Real Madrid. And it’s not just the club he admires, but one player in particular: Guti, the former magician of the Madrid midfield. Growing up in Tbilisi, he proudly wore a white shirt emblazoned with the number 14: ‘I love Real Madrid for Guti,’ he recently confided. Even his agent, Mamuka Jugeli, confirms this attachment, although his father prefers Barcelona. Nor has he forgotten his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has enabled him to become a professional footballer.

Dominik Szoboszlai, a Real fan since childhood

Now at Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai has never hidden his admiration for Real Madrid. During a match against Los Merengues, he confessed: ‘I was a Real fan when I was a kid. With his elegance on the ball and his pinpoint shots, the Hungarian midfielder seems to have everything it takes to one day make a name for himself in the Madrid colours.

Rayan Cherki: ‘Everyone knows I dream of Real Madrid’

At just 21, the Olympique Lyonnais prodigy makes no secret of his ambitions. ‘Everyone knows that I dream of playing for Real Madrid. It’s the biggest club in the world.‘ His technical skills and ease on the pitch have already made him one of Europe’s most promising youngsters. Jean-Michel Aulas, his former chairman, even described him as a player who could surpass Mbappé if he stayed at Lyon before joining a club like Madrid.

Matias Soulé, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, wants to play for Real Madrid

A revelation at Frosinone, Matias Soulé is also dreaming of Real Madrid. A former Juventus player, the Argentinian remembers his discussions with Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘He’s a genius. He often talked about Madrid. With his ten goals this season,’ Soulé is slowly approaching the dream that marked his childhood.

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian hope

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray, makes no secret of his ambitions. ‘My dream club is Real Madrid. God willing, I’ll play there one day’. His determination and performances in Serie A and the Super Lig make him a credible candidate for a future transfer.

Paul Pogba, the aborted dream

At the peak of his career, Paul Pogba was courted by Zinedine Zidane during his time at Real Madrid. But the transfer never materialised, leaving the French midfielder to pursue his career between Juventus and Manchester United. Now a free agent following his split with the Bianconeri, the 32-year-old would not say no to a move to Real Madrid. In midfield, Carlo Ancelotti has a number of players to choose from, even if he lacks someone with a similar profile to Toni Kroos.

Erling Haaland: Real’s utopian dream

Rafaela Pimenta, the Norwegian striker’s agent, has said in the past: ‘Real Madrid have a special magic. They have the Champions League’. Although Haaland currently plays for Manchester City, his future could lie with Madrid, but not anytime soon. The Norwegian striker deeply affected by the signing of Kylian Mbappé has decided to extend his contract until 2034.

Alphonso Davies, the Bayern full-back destined for Real Madrid

Bayern Munich’s Canadian has expressed his admiration for Real Madrid. Davies has been tipped as a potential signing for Los Merengues, and could take the plunge next season. There is already talk of an agreement, given that he will be free of any contract with the Bavarians in June 2025. Stay tuned!

But why is Madrid so fascinating?

Real Madrid is more than just a trophy cabinet. It’s a philosophy, a symbol. With names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane and Di Stéfano, every generation of fans has been marked by the club’s aura. To be a Merengue is to write a page in the history of football. For players, Madrid remains the Holy Grail. Whether they are young talents or established stars, many dream of the moment when they pull on the white shirt. But the dream of Madrid, as exciting as it is, remains a rare privilege. Who among them will succeed in making it a reality?