Top 10: these legends who wore the colors of Real and Barça!

Defying conventions and crossing the lines of one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, several iconic figures have dared the unthinkable: to successively don the jerseys of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona!

A rare audacity, sometimes perceived as betrayal, but one that didn't stop these players from entering the annals of legend.

In the following lines, we present a rigorous selection of ten internationally renowned stars whose talent left an indelible mark on the history of one—or even both—of Spanish football's giants:

Luis Figo (Barcelona 1995-2000 / Madrid 2000-2005)

He is probably the one most hated by Catalonia after his departure to their sworn enemy. Arriving at Barça in 1995, the Portuguese winger won two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey titles wearing the Barcelona jersey. He even had the honor of wearing the captain's armband.

The man with 249 appearances in the Catalan shirt signed with the Madrid rival in 2000 for a record sum at the time of 60 million euros, becoming the first member of the "Galacticos."

A betrayal that caused much ink to be spilled, as evidenced by his very stormy return to Camp Nou. Anti-Figo banners were unfurled, and a pig's head was thrown at him when he was about to take a corner. No transactions have occurred between the two clubs since Figo. The Barcelonans hold grudges...

Ronaldo (Barcelona 1996-97 / Madrid 2002-07)

The Brazilian striker only spent one season in the blaugrana jersey, but what a season! Scoring 47 goals in 49 matches across all competitions, he was then considered the best number 9 in the world and left an indelible mark among Barcelona's fans.

"Il Fenomeno" left Catalonia after a disagreement with his president over his new contract's signing. He later joined Inter Milan before making his grand return to Spain... with the enemy.

The double World Champion (1994/2002) wrote part of his legend in the merengue jersey, notably with a Ballon d'Or in his first season and a total of 177 goals scored.

Samuel Eto'o (Madrid 1997-2000 / Barcelona 2004-09)

Considered one of the greatest African players of all time, he is indeed a product of the Cantera, Real Madrid's training center. Arriving at the White House at the age of 15 from Cameroon, Samuel Eto'o only played six small matches with the first team. He decided to leave the nest in 1999 to sign with Mallorca, which revealed him to Europe.

Also read >> From Nkon to Presidency, the extraordinary journey of Samuel Eto'o

Having matured, he joined FC Barcelona, with whom he won two Champions Leagues. The Cameroonian striker did not hesitate to affirm his anti-Madridismo several times. Madrid's fans will never forget the moment he took the microphone in 2005, singing "Madrid, cabrón, saluda al campeón" to celebrate the Spanish championship title.

Josep Samitier (Barcelona 1919-1932 / Madrid 1932-34)

The first traitor was named Josep Samitier. Born in Barcelona, he joined the Barcelona club at the age of 17. He quickly became indispensable within the club and was nicknamed "l'home llagosta" (the lobster man) or "El magic" (the magician) by the supporters. He was part of the team that won FC Barcelona's first Spanish championship title in 1929.

To this day, he is the fourth top scorer in the club's history. In 1933, he left the Blaugrana following economic disagreements and joined the sworn enemy. He returned to Catalonia in 1944, but this time as a coach. He thus offered his beloved club its first championship since... 1929.

Luis Enrique (Madrid 92-96 / Barcelona 1996-2004)

Surprisingly enough, the former player known for his versatility first wore the colors of the White House before becoming a legend at FC Barcelona.

Leader, captain, mentor, and then coach, here is the journey of the former Blaugrana technician in video:

Bernd Schuster (Barcelona 1980-88 / Madrid 1988-90)

The former German international had quite a peculiar career. Known for being a character, the playmaker spent most of his career at FC Barcelona.

Gifted with incredible vision and aided by his two-footed ease, Bernd Schuster left the Barcelona club after eight years of good and loyal service to join the enemy... and then the enemy of the enemy (Atlético Madrid). Hats off to the artist!

Michael Laudrup (Barcelona 1989-1994 / Madrid 1994-96)

He is considered the best Danish player in history. A major member of Johan Cruyff's Dream Team, he greatly contributed to FC Barcelona's best sporting period, notably with four consecutive Spanish Championship titles and a Champions League.

He left Catalonia for Madrid following a conflict with the Dutch coach. It's not just the fans who can hold grudges...

Javier Saviola (Barça 2001-07 / Madrid 2007-09)

He arrived in Barcelona at 19 with the label of a future great star. "El Conejo" had three good seasons in the Catalan colors but never lived up to the expectations placed on him. He would eventually be loaned out everywhere before returning to Spain and learning he was not in Frank Rijkaard's plans.

Not extended, he left FC Barcelona through the back door to join Real Madrid. In the Madrid jersey, the Argentine striker would also fail to convince. A career of mixed fortunes.

Gheorghe Hagi (Madrid 1990-92 / Barça 1994-96)

Hagi, the "Maradona of the Carpathians." A nickname that speaks volumes about the brilliant playmaker he could be, but possessed an unpredictable character. After an excellent 1990 World Cup, he joined the Madrid ranks for two seasons, during which he failed to confirm his enormous potential.

After a stint in Italy (Brescia), he returned to La Liga, specifically to FC Barcelona. He played at a good level but was heavily handicapped by injuries.

Robert Prosinecki (Madrid 1991-94 / Barça 1995-96)

Known for his creativity and magical dribbles, the Croatian did not have the career his talent suggested, due to repeated injuries. He joined Madrid after making Red Star Belgrade fans dream for four seasons.

In the Spanish capital, Robert Prosinecki did not wreak havoc, too preoccupied with the physical ailments that haunted him. And joining the rival club did not stop the injuries...

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.