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

#3 Luis Figo

Luis Figo enjoyed a long and trophy-laden career

Arguably the player who caused the most controversy when he decided to leave Barcelona for Real Madrid, Luis Figo is one of the greatest players of his time.

Figo made his name at Sporting CP, earning a move to Barcelona in 1995 for £2.25 million. The Portugal international, well-renowned for his creativity, technical ability and elegance, made 249 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 45 goals.

#OnThisDay in 2003, Luis Figo picked his spot to perfection, lobbing Fabien Barthez in the Champions League quarters. We're saying he meant it because, you know, he's Luis Figo.pic.twitter.com/kZyWg6WpsD

— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) April 8, 2021

In 2000, Real Madrid decided to trigger his release clause of £54 million, with Figo joining Los Blancos as a result. The fury that it caused among Barcelona fans is well-documented; the viciousness with which Figo was greeted at Camp Nou after the move is still vividly remembered by former players.

The winger made 245 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring 58 goals. He joined Inter Milan in 2005 and retired in 2009 after four seasons with the Serie A giants.

---

#2 Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup during his time as the Swansea City manager

A graceful midfielder with incredible technical ability and offensive attributes, Michael Laudrup played for the likes of Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid during his career.

Laudrup made his name with Lazio and Juventus in Serie A, moving to Barcelona in 1989. The Denmark international became a key cog for Barcelona under the management of Johan Cruyff, impressing with his creativity and passing ability.

The former Lazio man decided to join Real Madrid in 1994, amid suggestions of a rift between him and Cruyff. Laudrup spent two seasons with Real Madrid, winning the league once. He spent time with Vissel Kobe and Ajax before calling time on his career.

As a manager, the 56-year old coached the likes of Getafe, Spartak Moscow, Mallorca and Swansea City. His most recent managerial assignment was at Al Rayyan in 2018.

---

#1 Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest to have played the game

One of the greatest players to have played the game, Ronaldo "O Fenomeno" reinvented the role of a center forward.

The Brazil international joined Barcelona after an incredible goalscoring spell with PSV Eindhoven. Barcelona paid £13.5 million in 1996 for Ronaldo, but the striker only played one season for the club. During that time, he made 49 appearances in all competitions and scored 47 goals, joining Inter Milan in 1997.

“For me, he was the perfect player.”@Ibra_official 🤝 @Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/lpiNZAkWD6

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 1, 2021

Ronaldo spent five injury-riddled seasons at Inter Milan. Despite his injuries, his goalscoring record for the Serie A side was incredible, and he joined Real Madrid in 2002 for £40.5 million. At the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian cemented his legacy, making 177 appearances in all competitions and scoring 104 goals.

The striker enjoyed stints with AC Milan and Corinthians before retiring in 2011. He is the majority owner of La Liga side Real Valladolid.

---