The 22 players who have worn Real Madrid and Barça shirts

With just hours to go until the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, the Clasico promises to be a hotly contested affair. Real Madrid and Barça, historic rivals, meet again after a solid run. The final is also an opportunity to take a look back at 22 players who have played for both clubs.

The Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona is much more than just a match. It embodies a unique sporting and cultural rivalry. But beyond this historic clash, some players have had the astonishing privilege (or audacity) of wearing both shirts. Here is the story of the 22 footballers who have crossed this burning divide.

Alfonso Albéniz was the very first player to move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In 1902, he left Catalonia to join the Spanish capital, at a time when the rivalry was not yet what it would become. This transition was relatively discreet. Juan Hilario Marrero, meanwhile, played for Real Madrid between 1931 and 1936 before joining FC Barcelona for the 1939-1940 season. These periods were marked by political and sporting upheaval.

Then there is Ricardo Zamora. Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Zamora also played for both clubs. After shining at Barcelona between 1919 and 1922, he signed for Real Madrid in 1930 to add to his legend. Samitier was one of the most important players of this period. A star at Barcelona from 1919 to 1933, he then moved to Real Madrid, where he played until 1935. His talent and charisma made him an icon of the era.

The controversial transfers of the 1980s and 1990s

Bernd Schuster epitomises this turbulent period (1980 to 1990). The German midfielder played for Barcelona and then Real Madrid in the 1980s. His career was also marked by his coaching career, notably at Madrid. Another important name: Luis Milla. Trained at Barcelona, he joined the first team in 1988 before signing for Real Madrid in 1990. He stayed there until 1997, becoming a key player in midfield.

Also in the squad is Denmark’s Michael Laudrup, who remains one of the most talented players to have worn both shirts. After winning four consecutive La Liga titles with Barcelona between 1989 and 1994, he joined Real Madrid in 1995 and helped them to the league title. Another iconic Croatian player is Prosinecki. He had an eventful career between these two teams. He spent three seasons at Real Madrid before joining Barcelona in 1995, although he only stayed for one season. The Romanian Gheorghe Hagi also had this double experience. After two years at Real Madrid, he joined Barcelona for two seasons.

Low-key and high-profile careers at Real Madrid and Barça

Albert Celades, who trained at Barcelona, played from 1995 to 1999 before joining Real Madrid in 2000. Although he did not score as many goals as others, his career illustrates the complex transfers between the two rival clubs. Then there is Luis Enrique, now recognised as a successful coach. The former La Roja striker was an emblematic player for both sides.

After winning La Liga with Real Madrid in 1995, he signed for Barcelona as a free agent in 1996. He enjoyed his most glorious years in the Blaugrana shirt, winning two league titles and two Copa del Rey titles. Other notable figures include Alfonso, who played for Real Madrid from 1989 to 1995 before signing for Barcelona in 2000, and Radomir Antic, who made his name as coach of both clubs.

Ronaldo, Figo, Eto’o and the emblematic players of the 2000s

Brazilian Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest legends to have played for both teams. After arriving at Barcelona in 1996 from PSV Eindhoven, he dazzled the football world before joining Real Madrid in 2002. With Los Merengues, he confirmed his superstar status.

Luis Figo, meanwhile, represents one of the most controversial transfers in history. After five seasons at Barcelona, where he became captain of the Blaugrana, the Portuguese striker joined Real Madrid in 2000 in a swap deal that angered Catalan fans.

This transfer marked the start of the Galácticos era in Madrid. Then, of course, there is Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. Trained at Real Madrid, the Indomitable Lion had few opportunities in the Spanish capital. However, he became a star at Barcelona from 2004 onwards, winning two Champions Leagues with the Blaugrana.

We also have Javier Saviola, the Argentinian striker nicknamed ‘The Rabbit’. The Argentinian played for Barcelona between 2002 and 2006 before joining Real Madrid in 2007. However, he never reached his full potential at either club. More recently, there is Marcos Alonso. The defender played for Real Madrid between 2008 and 2010, before joining Barcelona in 2022 after a spell at Chelsea in England. Although playing in a more discreet role, he continues the tradition of players who have worn both shirts.

These 22 players, each in their own way, have written a unique page in the history of the Clasico. Switching from Real Madrid to Barcelona, or vice versa, is a rare and often controversial act.