El Clasico: 5 foreign players who have made the most appearances

Nothing polarises the footballing world more than an El Clasico. Much like football itself, this rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has closely mirrored the social and political circumstances of the concerned regions.

Today, it has transformed into a global phenomenon with the most prominent footballing stars lined up against each other on a biannual basis at least.

These two goliaths of Spanish football once again fight each on the 23rd of December. While Real Madrid will try to salvage their season, a win for Barcelona will give them an unassailable lead in the La Liga title race.

Over the years, there have been many foreigner players who have had an ever-lasting impression on El Clasico. These include names like Ferenc Puskas, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and many more. Today we look at 5 such foreigners that have accumulated the most number of El Clasico appearances under their belt.

Note: The list only considers official matches. It doesn't account for friendlies and exhibition matches:

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#5 Marcelo - 25

Marcelo has been part of Real Madrid since 2007

Arguably the best left-back in the world today, Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007. Currently, in his 12th season at the club, he has played over 400 matches for them. The flamboyant Brazilian narrowly beats his predecessor, Roberto Carlos to this list with 25 El Clasico appearances.

Marcelo made his debut against the arch-rivals in a league match dated 7th May 2008, which ended 4-1 in favour of Real. He has faced them in La Liga on 16 different occasions. His other El Clasico appearances included six Spanish Super Cup matches, two UEFA Champions League matches and one Copa del Rey final in 2011.

The attacking left-back scored his only goal against Barcelona in the second leg of 2010-11 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

While the matches ended in a draw, Barcelona progressed with a 3-1 aggregate score and went on to win the title. Marcelo's partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo on the left flank can prove to be the deciding factor in the coming El Clasico.

#4 Dani Alves - 26

Dani Alves scored against Real in 2011-12 Copa del Rey quarterfinals

Another Brazilian full-back, Dani Alves had already faced Real on several occasions at Sevilla. Joining Barcelona under Pep Guardiola in 2008, the defender went on to make 391 appearances for the Catalonian side. Out of these, 26 were against Real Madrid.

Making his El Clasico debut on 13th December 2008, Alves faced Real 16 times in the league. Other appearances included matches in the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

Known for his aggressive style of play, the full-back's most memorable El Clasico moment was a spectacular screamer in the 2011-12 Copa del Rey quarter-final. Having left Barcelona in 2016, fans are going to miss his 'one-on-one' battles with Cristiano Ronaldo.

#4 Karim Benzema - 26

Karim Benzema has scored the fastest goal in El Clasico history

Tied with Dani Alves at 26 El Clasico appearances is striker Karim Benzema. The Frenchman, who joined Madrid in 2009, first faced Barcelona in a Los Blancos jersey on 29th November 2009. However, he had to wait till 2012 to experience the joy of victory over the Catalonians.

Over the years, Benzema has racked up nine goals against Barcelona, one of which happens to be a delightful scissor kick. He also holds the honour of scoring the fastest goal in El Clasico history, pouncing on Victor Valdes' error to find the net within 21 seconds.

The French forward is yet hit the top gear this season, having scored just 2 goals in 11 league matches. Going into the upcoming El Clasico, however, Real will require his predatory instincts that have tormented Barcelona defenders time in and time out.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo - 28

Ronaldo has scored in most consecutive El Clasico matches

El Clasico has always been the pinnacle of club-footballing action. But Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Madrid in 2009 gave it a new dimension. The world could now witness Messi and Ronaldo, two of the greatest of all time, battle it out directly on a more frequent basis for Spanish supremacy.

Starting from 29th November 2009, the Portuguese superstar has been a part of 28 El Clasico matches. Ronaldo's first significant impact was his extra-time goal in 2011 Copa del Rey final that earned him his first trophy at Real Madrid.

With 17 goals, he is third on El Clasico's all-time goal-scoring chart. At the same time, he holds the record for scoring in most consecutive (6) El Clasico appearances.

After a slow start to the current season, Ronaldo seems to be back on track, especially after his impressive performance at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup. With the upcoming El Clasico, he faces the challenge of leading Real Madrid back into the title race, thus keeping the dreams of millions of fans alive.

#1 Lionel Messi - 36

Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer in El Clasico history

With names like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raul taking the field, the El Clasico, dated 10th March 2007, was bound to be a scintillating contest. It wa,s indeed, but the game belonged to a youngster who had outshone every other heavyweight present around him.

Lionel Messi, still 19, became the first person in 12 years to score an El Clasico hattrick.

It was the first time Real Madrid had to bow down before the little magician, the first of many more to come. Messi has been part of 36 El Clasico matches, with the first one dating back to 2005. With 24 goals, he is the all-time top scorer in El Clasico history ahead of Real legend, Alfredo di Stefano.

Lionel Messi also happens to be the only player in the last 50 years to score an El Clasico hattrick twice. Stats like these explain the daunting impact he has on the minds of the Real Madrid defenders. On December 23rd, the Argentine is once again expected to come out all guns blazing and seal the title race once and for all.

Which of these names do you think will decide the El Clasico? Have your say in the comments section below.

Sources: Transfermarkt and RSSSF