Marquitos

Every dynasty needs a defender who looks slightly less elegant in the photograph but becomes enormous when the match starts burning. Marquitos was that kind of player for Real Madrid's first European empire: strong, brave, direct and built for difficult defensive afternoons rather than decorative football. His name is tied forever to the first European Cup final in 1956, when his goal against Stade de Reims helped pull Madrid back into a game that could easily have escaped them. He was not a cultured libero or a sophisticated constructor from the back, but a centre back of personality, aerial presence and competitive courage. In a team full of attacking genius, Marquitos gave weight, resistance and old fashioned defensive pride. Not the most glamorous member of the legend, but absolutely part of its foundations.