Football has not been just about trophies, personal and team records. It has been also about great rivalries. One of the most intense rivalries has been the one between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their face-off is known as ‘El Clásico.’
Few players have had the honour of appearing for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
In this article, let us have a look at look at some of the most notable footballers who have worn both the Barcelona and Real Madrid jerseys.
Luis Figo (Portugal)
- Barcelona: 249 appearances / 45 goals
- Real Madrid: 239 appearances / 57 goals
Arguably the most infamous transfer in football history, Luis Figo’s 2000 move from Barcelona to Real Madrid left Barca fans seething. Despite this, Figo’s career flourished on both sides of the divide. He won two La Liga titles with each club and a Champions League with Madrid in 2002. Awarded the Ballon d’Or largely for his performances at Barcelona, Figo became a symbol of Madrid’s Galáctico era- but every return to Camp Nou was met with intense hostility, from banners calling him a “traitor” to objects thrown from the stands.
Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
- Barcelona: 49 appearances / 47 goals
- Real Madrid: 177 appearances / 104 goals
Unlike Figo, Ronaldo is fondly remembered by fans of both clubs. His single season at Barcelona (1996–97) was one of the most prolific in football history, scoring 47 goals in 49 games and winning the Ballon d’Or. He later joined Real Madrid as part of the Galácticos, adding another Ballon d’Or and a La Liga top scorer title to his accolades. Injuries and weight struggles marked his Madrid years, but his legacy remains that of a player adored across Spain.
Michael Laudrup (Denmark)
- Barcelona: 217 appearances / 55 goals
- Real Madrid: 76 appearances / 15 goals
Laudrup was the creative genius behind Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team,” helping Barcelona win four consecutive La Liga titles. After a falling out with Cruyff, he moved to Madrid in 1994, where he won three more La Liga titles and a Champions League. Remarkably, he was part of two 5-0 Clasico victories- one for Barcelona and one for Madrid- cementing his status as a player who could excel anywhere. Laudrup is widely regarded as the greatest Scandinavian footballer ever.
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Luis Enrique (Spain)
- Barcelona: 300 appearances / 109 goals
- Real Madrid: 213 appearances / 18 goals
Versatile and hardworking, Luis Enrique was able to play across midfield and attack. After five seasons at Real Madrid, where he felt underappreciated, he joined Barcelona in 1996 on a free transfer. Over time, he became a fan favorite and a key Clasico performer. Post-retirement, he managed Barcelona to two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League, solidifying his legendary status in Catalonia.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
- Barcelona: 199 appearances / 130 goals
- Real Madrid: 7 appearances / 0 goals
Eto’o’s early Real Madrid career never took off- he made just seven appearances before leaving for Mallorca. At Barcelona, however, he became a superstar, winning three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers of his generation. While associated more with Barcelona, Eto’o’s journey reflects perseverance and seizing opportunities when they arise.
