10 Real Madrid Rejects Who Made It Big Elsewhere

10. Juan Mata

Playmaker Juan Mata began his footballing odyssey at local outfit Real Oviedo aged 12, before big boys Real Madrid came calling three years later.

The possibility of making the grade at arguably the world’s biggest club turned out to be nothing more than a pipedream, as Mata spent four years slogging it out in the academy and B teams without making a single senior appearance.

Real Madrid’s loss was Valencia’s gain, as the diminutive star made a huge impression at the Mestalla after signing in 2007. A successful four-year spell saw the versatile midfielder claim Copa del Rey glory in 2008 and international recognition with his country, which culminated in winning the 2010 World Cup.

His rapid rise led to a glamourous Premier League move, where he won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea. In addition, the Spaniard was named player of the year twice in succession during his first couple of years at Stamford Bridge, eventually notching 33 goals and providing 58 assists in 135 matches.

Returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho then banished him to the bench, prior to selling him on to Manchester United in January 2014 because he felt Mata wouldn’t be first choice under his regime, whilst suggesting that perhaps he was a luxury that he couldn’t afford.

In spite of United’s various troubles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Mata continued to perform and latterly kept his place under the once-sceptical Mourinho, who took over the Old Trafford reins in 2016.