A list of players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid

A list of players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid

Claudia Kogi
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM

These two teams are not even drawn to one another by location. For starters, if we look at the distance between Madrid and Barcelona, it is close to 500 kilometres. Even though their rivalry is regarded as one of the best, it has not stopped players from representing both sides during their careers. In this article, you will find these players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

While it has never gone down well when a player crosses the Barcelona-Madrid divide, Luis Figo can attest to that. Here is a list of players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

List of players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid

How many players played for Barcelona and Real Madrid? According to recent statics, this listicle contains the soccer players that played for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Join us as we discuss each one's stats and provide more fun info like social links and much more.

10. Luis Figo

Luis Figo
Luis Figo presents the Nations League trophy to the fans before the UEFA Nations League 2021 Final match between Spain and France at Stadio San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy. Photo: John Berry
Source: Getty Images

Otherwise known as the most ambitious crossover event in the history of soccer. Allegedly, Figo tarnished his Barcelona legacy when he signed for Real Madrid for a then-world record $490 million deal back in 2000.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo
  • Date of birth: 4 November 1972
  • Age: 49 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Almada, Portugal
  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Zodiac sign: Scorpio
  • Height in feet: 5'11"
  • Height in centimetres: 180
  • Current team: Retired
  • Position: Winger
  • Barcelona appearances: 249
  • Real Madrid appearances: 239
  • Instagram: @luis__figo

9. Ronaldo

Ronaldo
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima attends The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Photo: Claudio Villa
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo scored 47 goals in 49 games during his single season at Barcelona and won the FIFA World Player of the Year award. He then secured a then-world record move to Inter Milan but was came back to Spain five years later with Atletico Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles. So, how old is Ronaldo?

Ronaldo's profile summary

  • Full name: Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima
  • Date of birth: 18 September 1976
  • Ronaldo's age: 45 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Nationality: Brazillian
  • Zodiac sign: Virgo
  • Height in feet: 6'
  • Height in centimetres: 183
  • Current team: Retired
  • Position: Striker
  • Barcelona appearances: 49
  • Real Madrid: 177
  • Instagram: @ronaldo

8. Bernd Schuster

Bernd Schuster
Bernd Schuster attends 'Locos' premiere at Marquina Theater in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Juan Naharro Gimenez
Source: Getty Images

Just like Figo, Bernd moved directly from Barcelona to Real Madrid. During his time at Barcelona, he managed one La Liga triumph in eight seasons with Barcelona but won it back-to-back years during his two-season spell at Bernabeu. He later left Barca in 1990 to join Atletico Madrid.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Bernd Schuster
  • Date of birth: 22 December 1959
  • Age: 62 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Augsburg, West Germany
  • Nationality: German
  • Zodiac sign: Sagattarius
  • Height in feet: 5'11"
  • Height in centimetres: 181
  • Current team: Retired
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Barcelona appearances: 238
  • Real Madrid appearances: 86
  • Instagram: @bernd8schuster

7. Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui, head coach of Sevilla FC, looks on during the Spanish league, La Liga Santander, match played between Sevilla FC and Real Sociedad in Sevilla, Spain. Photo: Joaquin Corchero
Source: Getty Images

Before embarking on managerial roles with the Spanish national side and Real Madrid, Julen wore Barcelona and Real shirts. He made an appearance for Los Blancos after developing with their Castilla B team during his youth days. Following a loan spell at Las Palmas and three years at Longrones, Julen left for Barcelona.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Julen Lopetegui Agote
  • Date of birth: 28 August 1966
  • Age: 55 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Asteasu, Spain
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Zodiac sign: Virgo
  • Height in feet: 6'1"
  • Height in centimetres: 185
  • Current team: Sevilla
  • Position: Goalkeeper, current manager
  • Barcelona appearances: 5
  • Real Madrid appearances: 1
  • Instagram: @julendlg

6. Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon during the Morocco v Cameroon FIFA2010 World Cup Group A qualifying match in Fes, Morocco. Photo: Michael Steele
Source: Getty Images

And while it is easy to forget that Samuel debuted in the soccer arena at Real Madrid, the Cameroonian made six appearances for the club and was loaned out six times.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Samuel Eto'o Fils
  • Date of birth: 10 March 1981
  • Age: 41 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Douala, Cameroon
  • Nationality: Cameroonian
  • Zodiac sign: Pisces
  • Height in feet: 5'11"
  • Height in centimetres: 180
  • Current team: Retired
  • Position: Striker
  • Barcelona appearances: 199
  • Real Madrid appearances: 6
  • Instagram: @samueletoo

5. Javier Saviola

Javier Saviola
FIFA legend Javier Saviola poses for a portrait during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 Draw at La Seine Musicale in Paris, France. Photo: Gareth Cattermole
Source: Getty Images

After more than 30 league games in Barcelona, Javier fell down the pecking order and was loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla. He later joined Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract with Barcelona in 2007 and managed to make 29 appearances in two years. What position does Javier Saviola play? Have a look at his profile summary and find more information about him.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Javier Pedro Saviola Fernandez
  • Date of birth: 11 December 1981
  • Age: 40 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
  • Height in feet: 5'6"
  • Height in centimetres: 168
  • Current team: Ordino
  • Position: Forward
  • Barcelona appearances: 168
  • Real Madrid appearances: 29
  • Instagram: @javier.saviolaok

4. Robert Prosinecki

Robert Prosinecki
Head coach, Robert Prosinecki, of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between Liechtenstein and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. Photo: TF-Images
Source: Getty Images

Robert played 73 times at Real Madrid before leaving for Oviedo for one season. He later moved to Barcelona for one season before finally leaving for Sevilla. Have a look at his profile summary.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Robert Prosinecki
  • Date of birth: 12 January 1969
  • Age: 53 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Schwenningen, West Germany
  • Nationality: German
  • Zodiac sign: Capricorn
  • Height in feet: 6'
  • Height in centimetres: 182
  • Current team: Olimpija Ljubljana
  • Position: Midfielder, Current head coach
  • Barcelona appearances: 23
  • Real Madrid appearances: 73
  • Instagram: @prosinecki_robert

3. Gheorghe Hagi

Gheorghe Hagi
Coach Gheorghe Hagi of FC Viitorul during the UEFA Europa League match between Gent v FC Viitorul Constanta in Gent Belgium. Photo: Erwin Spek
Source: Getty Images

Before showing his efforts during his season at Real Madrid, Hagi went down as Romania's greatest ever player and managed just one Spanish Super Cup. He later signed for Brescia in 1992 before returning to Spain with Barcelona two years later. How old is Hagi? Have a look at his profile summary and find more information about him.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Gheorghe Hagi
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1965
  • Age: 57 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Sacele, Romania
  • Nationality: Romanian
  • Zodiac sign: Aquarius
  • Height in feet: 5'9"
  • Height in centimetres: 174
  • Current team: Farul Constanța
  • Position: Attacking midfielder, current manager
  • Barcelona appearances: 51
  • Real Madrid appearances: 84
  • Instagram: @10gheorghehagi

2. Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup
Head coach of Al-Rayyan Michael Laudrup in action during AFC Asian Champions League match between Persepolis vs Al-Rayyan in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Amin Mohammad Jamali
Source: Getty Images

Michael is yet another player to have directly shifted from Barcelona to Madrid in 1994. This was after winning four La Liga titles in five years with Barca. During his debut season at Real Madrid, he added yet another title. Today, he is among the players who have played for Barcelona and Real Madrid in soccer history. Have a look at his profile summary.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Michael Laudrup
  • Date of birth: 15 June 1964
  • Age: 57 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Frederiksberg, Denmark
  • Nationality: Danish
  • Zodiac sign: Gemini
  • Height in feet: 6'
  • Height in centimetres: 183
  • Current team: (Retired)
  • Position: Attacking midfielder, forward
  • Barcelona appearances: 216
  • Real Madrid appearances: 76
  • Twitter: @michaellaudrup9

1. Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique
Spain coach Luis Enrique prior to the draw for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center in Doha, Qatar. Photo: ANP
Source: Getty Images

If there was a list consisting of players who made direct jumps from one team to another, you sure have Luis Enrique at the top of the list. The legendary player made more than 200 appearances at Bernabeau before leaving for Barcelona.

At Barcelona, he won seven trophies in eight years before retiring in 2004. So what is Luis' nationality? Have a look at his profile summary and find more information about him.

Profile summary

  • Full name: Luis Enrique Martínez García
  • Date of birth: 8 May 1970
  • Age: 51 years old as of April 2022
  • Place of birth: Gijon, Spain
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Zodiac sign: Taurus
  • Height in feet: 5'11"
  • Height in centimetres: 180
  • Current team: Spain
  • Position: Midfielder, forward, current manager
  • Barcelona appearances: 300
  • Real Madrid appearances: 213
  • Instagram: @luisenrique_fcb

Has Messi played for Real Madrid?

No, he has not. On the contrary, Messi is Real Madrid's worst nightmare as he has played 45 games and scored 26 goals against Madrid.

Who played for Real Madrid on loan in 1908?

Charles Wallace is the only Englishman to make this list when he played one game for Real Madrid on loan in 1908 but later returned to Barcelona.

Who was the first player to swap between Barcelona and Real Madrid?

Alfonso Albeniz was famously the first ever player to swap between the two clubs, when he moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 1902.

As personal as a transferal of a player can turn out, it is only safe to say that it is just business. Barca and Atletico are two international teams renowned for their rivalry as far as soccer is concerned. However, that does not stop them from giving it all in the field. Are you familiar with the players who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid from the list above?

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.