Real Madrid's Brazilian imports

Following Real Madrid CF's capture of midfielder Lucas Silva, 21, from Cruzeiro EC on a five-and-a-half-year deal, UEFA.com catalogues the 14 Brazilian players who got there first.

Didi takes flight©Getty Images

Didi (1959–60) 
Player of the tournament at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, the brilliant midfielder and set-piece specialist had his time at Madrid curtailed by a clash of personalities with Alfredo Di Stéfano but was there long enough to win the European Champion Clubs' Cup twice.

Evaristo de Macedo (1962–65)
The Rio de Janeiro-born forward scored 78 goals in 114 top-flight games for FC Barcelona before moving to the Bernabéu in 1962. He was less influential in the capital, but nevertheless matched his Camp Nou haul of two league titles before returning to Brazil.

Roberto Carlos (1996–2007)
Lightning-quick, Roberto Carlos revolutionised the full-back position and became as vital to Madrid's attack as any of their forwards, scoring 68 goals in 527 appearances. He won four Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League three times in a glorious 11-year spell – not bad for €1m.

Zé Roberto (1997–98)
Another left wing-back, Zé Roberto only lasted a season in the Spanish capital before heading back to Brazil seeking more playing time. He had a bigger impact when he returned to Europe and Germany.

Sávio (1998–2003)
Winger Sávio never quite commanded a regular starting place after arriving from CR Flamengo, but he played his part for a team that won the UEFA Champions League three times in five seasons.

Flávio Conceição (2000–04)
A key part of RC Deportivo La Coruña's rise, the holding midfielder never quite had the same impact after joining Madrid for a fee of €36m. He was used sparingly, but played in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final win.

Ronaldo (2002–07) 
O Fenômeno arrived at the Bernabéu fresh after inspiring Brazil to 2002 World Cup glory and picked up where he left off with two goals on his debut. He won the Liga title that season and earned a standing ovation at Old Trafford after a sublime UEFA Champions League hat-trick. A steady stream of goals over the next four seasons brought no more silverware.

Emerson (2006–07)
The nickname Puma perfectly encapsulated a midfielder who combined brute power and graceful elegance. The World Cup winner was 30 when he joined the Merengues and played a significant role in their Liga triumph in 2006/07 before departing.

Cicinho (2006–07)
Cicinho was also in that Liga winning team despite missing six months of his first and only full season due to a knee injury. He fell behind Míchel Salgado and Sergio Ramos in the pecking order and joined AS Roma.

Robinho (2005–08)
Fresh from helping Brazil win the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, Robinho arrived at Madrid to briefly reunite with former Santos FC coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He won two Liga titles in three seasons before Manchester City FC paid a then British-record fee to secure his services in 2008.

Júlio Baptista (2005–08)
The big striker was snapped up after three stellar seasons with Sevilla FC but struggled to make the same impact in the capital, spending his second season on loan at Arsenal FC. He returned improved and played his part as Madrid retained the Liga title, including a winning goal at the Camp Nou.

Marcelo after his goal in Lisbon©AFP/Getty Images

Marcelo (2007–)
The exuberant Marcelo took up the mantle from Roberto Carlos as Madrid's marauding left-back and was widely credited with turning the tide in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final after coming on as a substitute. He has three Liga titles to his name and is still only 26.

Kaká (2009–13)
A 2002 World Cup winner, the playmaker arrived for a reported €65m in 2009 but won only a Liga title and the 2011 Copa del Rey in four injury-hit seasons with Madrid – registering 23 goals in 85 league appearances – before returning to Milan.

Casemiro (2013–)
The 22-year-old midfielder has made 27 appearances for Madrid and is spending this season on loan at FC Porto.

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