The 2013/14 UEFA Champions League final in Lisbon was a historic night for Real Madrid. After years of chasing their elusive 10th European crown—La Décima—Los Blancos finally triumphed, defeating Atlético Madrid 4-1 after extra time. That squad was filled with legends, many of whom have since retired or moved on to other ventures. Here’s where the starting XI from that memorable night are now:
1. Iker Casillas (Goalkeeper)
A Real Madrid icon, Casillas was the club captain and a key figure in goal. He left for FC Porto in 2015 and spent five seasons there before retiring in 2020 after suffering a heart attack during training in 2019. He’s since taken on ambassadorial and punditry roles and briefly served in a front-office role at Real Madrid.
2. Dani Carvajal (Right-back)
One of the few still at the club, Carvajal has remained a vital part of Madrid’s defense over the years. Despite some injury issues, he has collected more Champions League titles and continues to serve as a senior leader in the squad.
3. Sergio Ramos (Centre-back)
The heartbeat of the defense and captain after Casillas, Ramos departed Madrid in 2021 after contract talks broke down. He joined PSG for two seasons and then returned to his boyhood club Sevilla in 2023. Still playing, Ramos remains a fierce competitor in La Liga.
4. Raphael Varane (Centre-back)
Varane was just 21 during the final but played like a veteran. He remained at Madrid until 2021 before joining Manchester United. After a mixed spell marked by injuries and inconsistency, Varane announced he would leave United at the end of the 2024/25 season.
5. Fábio Coentrão (Left-back)
The Portuguese full-back never quite nailed down a permanent place and eventually left Madrid in 2018. After short stints back in Portugal and some injury troubles, Coentrão retired in 2021. Interestingly, he returned to his roots and is now a fisherman in his hometown.
6. Luka Modrić (Midfield)
Modrić, the metronome of the midfield, is still at Real Madrid over a decade later. While now used more sparingly due to age, he continues to play a vital role. The Croatian maestro won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and remains a fan favorite at the Bernabéu.
7. Sami Khedira (Midfield)
The German international was an underrated cog in that Madrid engine. He left for Juventus in 2015 and had a successful stint in Turin. Khedira retired in 2021 after a brief time at Hertha Berlin and now works as a football pundit and advisor.
8. Ángel Di María (Right Wing)
Man of the Match in that final, Di María left for Manchester United that summer. He then revitalized his career at PSG and returned to Benfica in 2023. Still active, the Argentine continues to shine, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
9. Gareth Bale (Left Wing)
Bale’s towering header in the final was crucial. He went on to win four more Champions League titles with Madrid. Known for his clutch performances and controversial moments, Bale retired in 2023 after a final stint at LAFC in MLS. He’s since taken up golf professionally and enjoys his retirement.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Striker)
Ronaldo scored the final goal in extra time and was pivotal to Real’s Champions League dominance. He left in 2018 for Juventus, later returned to Manchester United, and then moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Even in his late 30s, Ronaldo remains a prolific goal-scorer and global icon.
11. Karim Benzema (Striker)
While he started the final, Benzema blossomed into a true leader after Ronaldo’s departure. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and left Madrid in 2023 for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Benzema is still playing but has faced recent injury setbacks.
Conclusion
The 2013/14 Real Madrid squad was a blend of youth, experience, and elite talent. Many have retired, some continue to play, and a few still wear the white shirt. Their legacy is forever etched in history as the team that delivered La Décima to Madrid.
