Real Madrid

Best known for his perfect positioning, his foresight and his ability to advance the ball out of the first third, Ricardo Alberto Silveira Carvalho (18-05-78 Amarante, Portugal) joins Real Madrid at the age of 32 and with 19 titles to speak of.

Speed, elegance and perfect positioning have earned Ricardo Carvalho leaderership status on every team he has played for. His career began with Leça prior to signing his professional papers with Porto in 1997. He immediately played on loan for what was his first team and continued gaining experience over the next two seasons with Vitoria de Setubal and Alverca before returning to Porto.

It was during his second stint with the Portuguese powerhouse that he first coincided with Jose Mourinho. Together they won the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and the 2003/04 Champions League. Carvalho packed his bags for Chelsea in 2004 to continue playing for Mourinho and the two went on to earn three Premier League titles among a host of many others.

In recent years the center-back has played an integral role on the Portuguese national team, with whom he reached the final of the 2004 European Championship. Carvalho has 67 caps and has scored four goals for Os Navegadores.