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5 greatest players who have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid

Ronaldo Nazario played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid
Ronaldo Nazario played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid

Two of the biggest clubs in the world, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is unlike any other in the footballing world.

El Clasico has become one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, and during Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid stint, his rivalry with Barcelona's Lionel Messi attracted the attention of people across the globe.

With such an intense rivalry existing between the two clubs, it seems unlikely that players would play for both clubs during their careers. However, some of the greatest players of all time have done so over the years.

Without further ado, we look at the 5 greatest players who have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.


#5 Bernd Schuster

Bernd Schuster also managed Real Madrid
Bernd Schuster also managed Real Madrid

Nicknamed "The Blond Angel," Bernd Schuster enjoyed an illustrious career, representing some of the biggest clubs in the world.

The midfielder started his career with Koln, before moving to Barcelona in 1980. At the Camp Nou, Schuster would make his name, consistently performing well and providing goals from midfield. Having been a key player for Barcelona, his move to Real Madrid in 1988 wasn't devoid of controversy.

Schuster would spend two seasons with Real Madrid before joining city-rivals Atletico Madrid in 1990. The West Germany international retired in 1997 after a stint with Mexican club UNAM Pumas.

Schuster would then embark on a managerial career. He managed the likes of Koln and Shakhtar Donetsk and was appointed manager of Real Madrid in 2007. He stepped down from his role in 2008 and was most recently the manager of Chinese club Dalian Yifang.


#4 Samuel Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o in action for Cameroon
Samuel Eto'o in action for Cameroon

One of the greatest strikers in the world during his prime and arguably the greatest African player ever, Samuel Eto'o's legacy in football can be matched only by a few players.

The Cameroon international began his career with Real Madrid but only made seven appearances for the club before joining Mallorca. Some fine performances for Mallorca grabbed the attention of Barcelona, with the La Liga giants paying £24 million for his services in 2004.

Eto'o made nearly 200 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan club, scoring 130 goals. He won every possible trophy with Barcelona and moved to Inter Milan in 2009.

Having won the treble in his final season at Barcelona, the striker won the treble in his debut season at Inter Milan. Eto'o then turned out for Chelsea, Everton and Sampdoria, among other clubs. He retired in 2019.


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