5 iconic players who transferred directly between Barcelona and Real Madrid

Luis Figo has played for both Spanish giants.
Luis Figo has played for both Spanish giants.

#3. Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique coaches Spain now.
Luis Enrique coaches Spain now.

Luis Enrique is a bonafide legend of Spanish football.

The former midfielder initially represented Sporting Gijon before signing for Real Madrid in 1991. Enrique was with Madrid for five years, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Supercopa Espana.

Enrique was widely regarded as an extremely versatile player. He was an orthodox midfielder who could play as a forward as well if required. After five years in the capital of Spain, Enrique signed for Barcelona in 1996 on a free transfer.

Enrique's time with Barcelona was blessed with much more success. The player-turned-coach flourished during his eight years at the Nou Camp, even becoming club captain and winning several trophies.

He won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and one UEFA Super Cup during his time with the club along with a Cup Winners' Cup and a Supercopa de Espana. He further etched his name into Barcelona's history when he became the club's manager in 2014.

As manager, he ensured Barcelona remained at their best. He won two league titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League title in 2015 as well. Enrique now serves as the coach of the Spanish national team.


#2. Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup in action for Barcelona
Michael Laudrup in action for Barcelona

Michael Laudrup is another legendary player who featured for both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Dane was with Juventus in 1989 when Barcelona came calling. Laudrup left Turin to join his role model Johan Cruyff, who was building Barcelona's "Dream Team".

Laudrup spent five years with Barcelona, winning four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and one European Cup. He then went on to sign for Real Madrid in 1994 after the FIFA World Cup.

His time with Real Madrid was comparatively shorter; Laudrup only spent a couple of years in the whites of Madrid. He spearheaded their title challenge and came out successful in 1995, becoming the only player in history to win five successive titles while representing two clubs.

Laudrup is arguably the best-ever player to have come from Denmark.


#1. Luis Figo

Luis Figo in action for Real Madrid v Juventus
Luis Figo in action for Real Madrid v Juventus

Luis Figo is the most recent player to have transferred directly between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Portuguese started out with his hometown club Sporting Clube de Portugal before signing for Barcelona in 1995. Primarily an attacker, Figo was extremely strong and fast in attack. He was incredibly skilled and effective as a creative player.

Figo's career with Barcelona was quite successful, with two consecutive La Liga wins from 1997 to 1999. He also won two Copa Del Rays as well as the UEFA Super Cup in 1997.

Figo then went on to sign for Real Madrid in 2000, sparking hatred and disgust from Barcelona fans worldwide. The move was worth a reported €62 million, with the Portuguese becoming the world's most expensive player at the time.

His achievements with Barcelona earned him the Ballon d'Or award in 2000. Despite being labeled a 'traitor', Figo never lost focus. He went on to enjoy a successful five years with the club, winning two La Ligas, two Supercopa de Espanas and the UEFA Champions League.

Figo made a combined 493 appearances for both clubs, scoring a total of 101 goals while also providing 151 assists. The Portuguese is considered by many to be Portugal's best-ever player despite the accomplishments of Cristiano Ronaldo.

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