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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
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
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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#3 Luis Figo
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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