The star bridge between Camp Nou and the Metropolitano.. 10 major names who made history in Barcelona and Atletico Madrid shirts

08.11.26 15:00 LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

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Barcelona

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Barcelona and Atletico Madrid renew their rivalry at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday 8 November 2026 in a crucial La Liga encounter with major implications for the title race.

While the two Spanish giants have produced countless memorable battles, they also share a remarkable transfer history.

More than 40 players have represented both clubs including legendary strikers, Champions League winners and Ballon d'Or recipients.

The most recent high profile addition to that list is Rodri who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in August 2026 after previously playing under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

However, the Spanish midfielder will miss Sunday's reunion due to a hamstring injury, as Foot Africa previously confirmed.

Read Also: King of summits and 32 goals.. All time top scorers list for Atletico vs Barcelona summit

10 players who represented both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid

• Luis Suarez - Barcelona (2014-2020), Atletico Madrid (2020–2022)

The Uruguayan striker became a Barcelona legend, winning four La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League. After leaving Camp Nou in 2020, he joined Atletico and scored 21 league goals in his debut season, helping Simeone's team win the 2020 /21 championship.

• Antoine Griezmann - Atletico Madrid (2014-2019, 2021-2026), Barcelona (2019-2021)

The French forward moved to Barcelona in 2019 before returning to Atletico two years later, eventually becoming the club's all time leading goalscorer. He left for Orlando City in July 2026 having previously expressed regret over his decision to leave Atletico for Barcelona.

• David Villa - Barcelona (2010-2013), Atletico Madrid (2013-2014)

Villa won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2011 before joining Atletico in 2013. He played an important role in Simeone's historic 2013 /14 campaign which ended with Atletico winning La Liga after a decisive draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou.

• Rodri - Atletico Madrid (2018-2019), Barcelona (2026-present)

After impressing during his 2018 /19 season at Atletico, Rodri moved to Manchester City and became one of Europe's leading midfielders, winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or. His arrival at Barcelona in August 2026 added another fascinating chapter to the clubs' shared history.

• Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid (2019-2024), Barcelona (2023-2024, loan)

The Portuguese attacker joined Atletico for a club record fee in 2019 before spending the 2023 /24 campaign on loan at Barcelona. Remarkably, Felix scored against Atletico in both La Liga meetings that season.

• Arda Turan - Atletico Madrid (2011-2015), Barcelona (2015-2018)

The Turkish midfielder was a key member of Atletico's 2013 /14 title winning squad before moving to Barcelona in 2015 where he added another Spanish league championship to his collection.

• Memphis Depay - Barcelona (2021-2023), Atletico Madrid (2023-2024)

The Dutch forward joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2021 before switching to Atletico in January 2023. He contributed to Barcelona's early season campaign before the Catalans eventually secured the 2022 /23 La Liga title.

• Sergio Aguero - Atletico Madrid (2006-2011), Barcelona (2021)

Aguero established himself as one of Europe's most exciting forwards at Atletico before enjoying a legendary decade at Manchester City. He joined Barcelona in 2021 but his spell was cut short by a heart condition that forced his retirement.

• Clement Lenglet - Barcelona (2018-2025), Atletico Madrid (from 2024)

The French defender enjoyed several seasons at Barcelona before joining Atletico on loan in 2024. His move provided another example of a player representing both clubs during the modern era.

• Bernd Schuster - Barcelona (1980-1988), Atletico Madrid (1990-1993)

The German midfielder belongs to an exclusive group of players who represented Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. After eight years at Camp Nou and two seasons with Real Madrid, he joined Atletico in 1990 and won two consecutive Copa del Rey titles.

Two extraordinary transfers that changed La Liga history

Among these ten players, the stories of Luis Suarez and David Villa stand out.

Both left Barcelona for Atletico Madrid after winning major trophies in Catalonia and both subsequently helped Simeone's side claim the Spanish championship.

Villa achieved the feat in 2014 while Suarez repeated it seven years later.

The Uruguayan's influence was particularly significant, with his 21 league goals proving instrumental in Atletico's 2020 /21 title triumph.

His experience of representing both clubs has also informed his views on modern transfer speculation, including his comments about Julian Alvarez potentially moving to Barcelona.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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