Felipe Reyes retired last summer after 17 consecutive seasons with Real Madrid as one of the most decorated big men in basketball history and the embodiment of the character that marked a new generation of success at the world-renowned club.
Legend: Felipe Reyes, Real Madrid
Final Four
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Reyes started his career with Estudiantes Madrid before moving across the Spanish capital in 2004 and becoming team captain during Real's resurgence in continental club basketball.
Reyes first helped Real get back to the Euroleague by taking the EuroCup title in 2007. He was a major protagonist as Real reached the 2011 Final Four, the club's first appearance in the EuroLeague's signature event in 15 years. And he remained one of the team's pillars under head coach Pablo Laso during Real's streak of three consecutive EuroLeague Championship Games between 2013 to 2015.
After losses in the title game against Olympiacos Piraeus in 2013 and Maccabi Tel Aviv after overtime in 2014, Reyes memorably lifted the EuroLeague trophy as team captain in 2015 before Real's home fans in the Spanish capital. Its first continental crown in 20 years remains one of the most iconic moments in club history. It was also one of the best seasons ever for Reyes, who was voted to the 2014-15 All-EuroLeague First Team.
Reyes would be a key part of Real's run of three more Final Fours from 2017 to 2019, culminating in another EuroLeague title in 2018, when he raised the trophy again on the court at Stark Arena in Belgrade. He would finish his career in 2021 as the EuroLeague's all-time leader in offensive rebounds (705) and the second-best in total boards (1,799). He still ranks among the top 10 players all-time in games played (357), points (3,029) and performance index rating (3,775), as well.
In addition to their EuroLeague success together, Reyes helped Real win eight Spanish League and six Spanish Cup titles. He was also a regular on Spanish national teams that claimed gold medals at the World Cup and three EuroBaskets, plus two silvers and one bronze each at the Olympic Games and EuroBasket.
A model of hustle and commitment, Felipe Reyes left everything on the court to earn the eternal gratitude of Real Madrid fans.