5 players who allegedly rejected Barcelona for Real Madrid

Quite a few footballers dream to play for a legendary club like Barcelona. The Catalan giants are one of the most successful clubs in the world and an opportunity to don the Barcelona jersey will rarely knock on your door.

The Blaugrana have been the home of the some of the legendary names in world football like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Cruyff, Xavi, Messi and many others. Barcelona rarely get 'No' for an answer when they approach a player. However, there are some world-class players who have rejected the opportunity to play for Barcelona.

Let's look at the players who allegedly rejected an opportunity to play for Barcelona to join Real Madrid.

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#5 Theo Hernandez

Thoe Hernandez in action

Theo Hernandez is the latest player to snub Barcelona for the Galacticos. The 19-year-old is one of the best young fullbacks in La Liga and had a great 2016/17 season at Alaves, on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Hernandez showed he has the pace, power and excellent technique to succeed at the highest level. His stunning free-kick against Barcelona in the 2016/17 Copa del Rey final prompted the Catalan Giants to go for Hernandez as a backup to Jordi Alba.

Late in the 2016/17 season, Hernandez's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon confirmed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing the young Atleti defender.

According to agent Manuel Garcia Quito, "Barcelona have made an offer but Real Madrid have activated his release clause (€25 million) and the player wishes to join the Los Blancos"

#4 Vinicius Junior

Brazilian wonderkid Vinicius Junior

This name will not ring a bell to many but both the La Liga giants went head-to-head for the Brazilian wonderkid from Flamengo and were even willing to pay €45 million for a player who was just 16 and only played 17 minutes of senior football.

Vinicius Jr. got the attention of Real Madrid and Barcelona during the Under-17 South American Championship in March 2017. He helped Brazil win the championship with 7 goals and was named the tournament's best player.

Both the Spanish clubs were working out deals to sign him in May but the Galacticos trumped Barcelona to secure his signature for a hefty price tag which will be effective only in July 2018 when the Brazil youth international turns 18.

According to his agent, "Vinicius Junior opted to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona because he preferred their project more even though the Barcelona offered him more money"

#3 David Beckham

Everyone loved Becks at Madrid

One of the most charismatic midfielders in English football, David Beckham spent 12 successful years at Old Trafford after his move from Brimsdown Rovers as a 16-year-old. Regarded by many as one of the best free-kick takers in world football, he was known for his long-range passing and crossing abilities.

Beckham's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson deteriorated during the 2002/03 season and he was made to sit on the bench on few occasions. Manchester United wanted to sell him during the summer of 2003 and even agreed a deal with Barcelona. But the deal fell through as Beckham's only choice was Real Madrid and finally, he moved to the Bernabeu in a €35 million deal.

In an interview on BBC, Beckham said, "I had heard rumours I might be sold and one of my friends called and told me it was on Sky Sports that United had agreed terms with Barcelona. I then flew back to London and tried to speak to Peter Kenyon. He said it's true, we have agreed to a deal and that is when I spoke to my agent and said, if I am going to move, I'm going to move to Madrid"

#2 Karim Benzema

Benzema has had quite a run at Madrid

Karim Benzema caught the attention of top European clubs during the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons when he scored 54 goals for Lyon during that time. Clubs like Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid were interested in signing him.

The 22-year-old was considered as one of the most talented young strikers in 2009. He was pacy, strong and powerful, with prolific finishing ability. He was equally good with both feet and could play anywhere in the front line.

In spite of a lot of interest from across Europe's elite clubs, the Galacticos won the race for his signature after agreeing to a £25m deal with Lyon.

When he was asked in 2009 about whether other teams showed interest in him, Benzema said: "There were quite a few clubs that contacted me like Manchester (United), Inter Milan and Barcelona, but I decided to come here.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has led Madrid to every trophy there is to win

The 4-time Ballon d'Or winner was the biggest name in world football to have rejected a move to Barcelona in 2009. After his move from Sporting CP to Manchester United in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo developed into one the best wingers in world football.

He won everything during his Old Trafford days and at 24, Ronaldo wanted to pursue bigger challenges. After what he did to Manchester United during his 6 years stay, Sir Alex Ferguson did not stay in his way. He accepted Real Madrid's £80 million (€94 million) offer during the summer of 2009.

But it was later revealed that Ferguson made a last-ditch attempt to orchestrate Ronaldo's move to Barcelona. The move was rejected by the player.

Former Real President Roman Calderon spoke about how Ronaldo rejected Barcelona in March 2014, “In the few weeks, he tried to avoid him going to Real Madrid; offering him to Barcelona. Barcelona were very happy; but in that moment but it was very crucial as Ronaldo said: I'm not going to any other club but Real Madrid."