Over the years, Real Madrid has been known for its "Galácticos" policy of signing high-profile players. While many of these signings have become club legends, others have failed to meet expectations. Among them, Kylian Mbappé's recent move to Madrid has reignited discussions on the club's most significant transfer disappointments.

The Mbappé Saga: A Shaky Start

Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of Kylian Mbappé has been one of the most talked-about transfer stories in world football. This summer, the French superstar finally joined Los Blancos on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. However, things have not gone according to plan since his arrival.

Since his debut for the reigning European champions, the 25-year-old's form has dipped significantly. Far from the dazzling player who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, Mbappé has managed only eight goals in 14 La Liga appearances. While this may seem respectable on paper, it falls well below the expectations of fans and pundits alike.

The decline in form hasn't gone unnoticed. France's national team coach Didier Deschamps benched Mbappé during recent UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, a move that raised eyebrows. As for his club, Real Madrid's domestic title challenge has also suffered, with Barcelona leading the race for the La Liga crown. Sports betting providers have taken note, too—Barcelona is now the favorite to win the title with odds of -120.

Some blame the pressure of wearing the famous white shirt, while others cite tactical adjustments. Mbappé has transitioned from a left-wing role to a central attacking position, a shift that has not yielded the desired results. It's too early to label his transfer a failure, but history suggests that even world-class players are not immune to the challenges of adapting to Real Madrid's high-pressure environment.

Eden Hazard: From Hero to Afterthought

In 2019, Real Madrid splashed a significant sum to acquire Eden Hazard from Chelsea. At the time, Hazard was arguably one of the best players in the world. He had just delivered a sensational performance in the Europa League final, scoring twice and assisting two more goals to help Chelsea defeat Arsenal 4-1.

Hopes were high that Hazard would fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus the year before. However, his time at the Bernabéu turned into a nightmare. Persistent injuries derailed his debut season, and the fitness issues persisted throughout his Madrid career.

Recurring muscle problems, ankle surgeries, and ongoing weight concerns saw the Belgian spend more time in the medical room than on the pitch. Even when he was fit, Hazard's form never reached the heights of his Chelsea days. He struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of Real Madrid's play.

From a financial perspective, Hazard's transfer was a disaster. Not only did Madrid pay a hefty transfer fee, but they also made him one of the highest earners at the club. Over four seasons, he managed just 76 appearances and scored only seven goals, leaving fans disillusioned with the man once seen as the "next Galáctico."

James Rodríguez: A World Cup Star Who Faded Away

James Rodríguez's arrival at Real Madrid in 2014 came after his breakout performance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Colombian playmaker scored six goals, earning the tournament's Golden Boot. His breathtaking volley against Uruguay became one of the World Cup's most iconic moments, prompting Real Madrid to pay a premium to bring him to Spain.

Initially, James' impact was profound. Under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance, he enjoyed a stellar debut season, registering 17 goals and 18 assists in all competitions. But his influence waned as the seasons progressed.

When Zinedine Zidane took over as manager, James' role diminished. Zidane's preference for industrious midfielders like Casemiro and Luka Modrić left little room for a luxury playmaker. Even when more creativity was required, Zidane often turned to Isco instead.

James' career at Madrid effectively ended when he was loaned to Bayern Munich, where he failed to reignite his form. Eventually, he was sold to Everton, where he reunited with Ancelotti. While he has since found a resurgence playing for Rayo Vallecano, his time at Real Madrid will always be seen as a missed opportunity for both player and club.

Kaká: The Superstar Who Lost His Shine

When Florentino Pérez launched the second Galácticos era in 2009, Real Madrid signed three marquee players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, and Kaká. While Ronaldo and Alonso went on to achieve greatness at the Bernabéu, Kaká's story was one of unfulfilled promise.

Having won the Ballon d'Or in 2007, Kaká was regarded as one of the best players in the world during his time at AC Milan. His combination of vision, passing, and dribbling made him nearly unstoppable. Unfortunately, those attributes failed to materialize in Spain.

Chronic knee injuries robbed Kaká of the explosive burst that had once made him a nightmare for defenders. While he still produced the occasional moment of magic, he never fully settled into the squad. His relationship with José Mourinho didn't help matters either. Mourinho often benched Kaká, favoring Mesut Özil in the attacking midfield role.

Perhaps the most symbolic moment of Kaká's decline was his missed penalty during the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich in 2012. It marked the beginning of the end for his time in Madrid, and he eventually returned to AC Milan before finishing his career in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Conclusion

While Real Madrid's transfer policy has produced icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Karim Benzema, it's also been fraught with high-profile failures. The stories of Mbappé, Hazard, James, and Kaká highlight the unpredictable nature of football transfers. Even the most talented players can struggle to adapt to the unique pressure and demands of wearing the famous white shirt of Los Blancos. As Real Madrid's pursuit of footballing perfection continues, the lessons of these transfer flops remain a stark reminder that no player is guaranteed success at the Bernabéu.

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