Galácticos (Spanish for galactics, referring to superstars) are expensive, world-famous Real Madrid football players recruited during the "galácticos" policy pursued during Florentino Pérez's presidencies at Real Madrid.
Several other players were often considered to be a part of the galácticos legacy due to their influence on the team during that period, despite being signed previously to the reign of Pérez, or being graduates of the youth system.
The list of galácticos is fluid. Some players are considered a galactico when first signed but drop off the list if they don't live up to the hype, and others are added to the list later in their career after their impact can be properly appreciated.
Some players may have worn multiple shirt numbers in their time at Real Madrid; only one is listed per player.