By Andrea Caropreso
Index
Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest transfer news: Instagram, Facebook and X.
The Real Madrid winning mentality, which has led to the conquest of every possible trophy, is not just the result of the mystique surrounding the Santiago Bernabéu. It is, rather, the product of a clear vision orchestrated by president Florentino Pérez. After the Galácticos era — first led by Casillas, then Ramos, with stars like Modrić, Kroos, Casemiro, Marcelo, and Ronaldo — Real managed to stay at the top of both Spanish and international football. How? By securing the future, without ever losing sight of the present.
Signing Today Who Will Dominate Tomorrow
Looking at the period from 2017 to 2025, it’s clear how Pérez’s vision ensured Real Madrid signed the most promising global talent year after year. Players are brought in young, developed behind experienced veterans, and then given the reins once ready.
| Player | Year Signed (Arrived) | Age at Signing | Cost (€M) | Current Market Value* | Role/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinícius Júnior | 2017 (2018) | 16 | 45 | 150+ | Starter, UCL MVP, world top 5 |
| Rodrygo | 2018 (2019) | 17 | 40 | 100 | Starter, decisive in UCL |
| Reinier | 2019 | 17 | 30 | 5–10 | Unsuccessful loans so far |
| Eduardo Camavinga | 2021 | 18 | 31 | 70 | Versatile, key squad member |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | 2022 | 22 | 80 | 70 | Co-starter |
| Jude Bellingham | 2023 | 19 | 103 + bonus | 180+ | La Liga top scorer, absolute leader |
| Endrick | 2022 (2024) | 16 | 35 + bonus | 60 (est.) | 7 goals, 1 assist in 37 games (mostly subs) |
*Estimates based on Transfermarkt data.
Aside from the underwhelming Reinier deal, Real Madrid has shown extraordinary foresight in scouting the right talents to build a new generation of stars. Around them, world-class signings like Mbappé, Alaba, and Courtois complete the picture. The 2025 addition is already official: Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for €63M — at just 17 years old.
The Financial Logic Behind the Strategy
This youth-centric philosophy isn’t just about building a winning team — it’s also about financial strategy. Signing top talent early means lower wages until their full breakout.
Endrick, for example, signed a contract worth €4 million per year. While this may seem excessive from an Italian club’s perspective, for Real Madrid’s revenue scale it is easily manageable. Moreover, these young stars boost the club’s brand value, bringing commercial benefits and global visibility.
| Year | Brand Value (€B)* | Rank Among Clubs | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1.60 | 1st | Global peak (Ronaldo’s final year) |
| 2020 | 1.42 | 1st | COVID resilience, economic strength |
| 2022 | 1.52 | 1st | UCL win, post-COVID growth, stadium |
| 2023 | 1.51 | 2nd (Man City) | Strong revenue, City overtakes briefly |
| 2024 | 1.62 | 1st | Bellingham boost, digital & stadium growth |
| 2025 | 1.75–1.80 (est.) | 1st | Mbappé + Endrick effect |
*Based on Brand Finance & Deloitte estimates
Even during the pandemic, while most clubs posted heavy losses, Real Madrid remained profitable — closing the 2021/22 season with a €13M surplus.
Sustainable Success
The revamped Santiago Bernabéu plays a major role in this success. The €1.17 billion investment, financed strategically over decades, is already paying off. In the second half of 2024 alone, it generated nearly €44 million in non-football events, while match-day revenues rose over 58% compared to the prior season.
All in all, the stadium and its related activities (retail, tours, hospitality) now yield over €300 million annually, helping the club surpass the €1 billion revenue mark for the first time in history. In other words, while most of Europe’s elite clubs are still figuring out how to survive, Real Madrid already knows how to thrive.
