Top 10 Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid : You'll be shocked to see the number 1!

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is one of the fiercest in football, with the Madrid Derby being one of the most anticipated matches each year. Despite this rivalry, several players have crossed the city divide to play for both clubs. Whether it’s through transfers or loans, these players have made their mark in the history of both giants of La Liga.

The most recent addition to this list is Sergio Reguilon, who joined Atletico Madrid after a spell at Real Madrid. Let’s take a look at the top 10 players who played for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, overcoming one of football’s most intense rivalries.

Top 10 Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Are they traitors?

10. Footballers who played for both Madrid clubs : Jose Antonio Reyes

A legendary winger in La Liga, Jose Antonio Reyes played for some of the biggest clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. After shining at Sevilla and Arsenal, Reyes spent a season on loan at Real Madrid, where he played 30 games and scored six goals. He later moved to Atletico Madrid for €12 million, but his time there wasn’t as impactful as at other clubs.

Clubs Played For: Real Madrid (loan), Atletico Madrid
Position: Winger

9. Footballers who played for both Madrid clubs : Juanfran

Known for his successful stint at Atletico Madrid, few remember that Juanfran started his career at Real Madrid. After struggling to break into the first team, he moved to Osasuna and eventually to Atletico, where he became a fan favorite. Juanfran helped Atletico Madrid win numerous trophies and was embraced despite his ties to their city rivals.

Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Position: Right-back

8. Madrid Derby players history : Hugo Sanchez

Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

A legendary striker from Mexico, Hugo Sanchez made his mark in the 1980s by playing for both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. After scoring 54 goals in 111 appearances for Atletico, Sanchez moved to Real Madrid in a highly controversial transfer. His time at Real was nothing short of phenomenal, netting 164 goals in 207 appearances and cementing his place as one of the greatest strikers in La Liga history.

Clubs Played For: Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid
Position: Striker

7. Madrid Derby players history: Santiago Solari

Before becoming a key figure at Real Madrid, both as a player and later as a manager, Santiago Solari began his European football career with Atletico Madrid in 1999. After just one season, Real Madrid snapped him up. Solari spent five successful years with Los Blancos, winning numerous trophies and remaining close to the club even after retirement.

Clubs Played For: Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid
Position: Midfielder

6. Madrid Derby players history : Bernd Schuster

One of the few players to represent Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid, Bernd Schuster enjoyed a stellar career in Spain. Schuster first made a name for himself at Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid. His stint with Real wasn’t as impressive as his Barcelona days, but his move to Atletico Madrid in 1990 saw him play an important role in their midfield.

Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Position: Midfielder

5. Madrid Derby players history : Marcos Llorente

Currently a key player for Atletico Madrid, Marcos Llorente began his career at Real Madrid but struggled to cement a place in the starting XI. After moving to Atletico in 2019, Llorente’s career took off. He quickly became one of La Liga’s best midfielders, known for his versatility, pace, and crucial goals in important matches.

Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Position: Midfielder

4. Famous Madrid Derby players : Alvaro Morata

Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

Like Marcos Llorente, Alvaro Morata is another player who started at Real Madrid and later moved to Atletico Madrid. Morata had two spells at Real Madrid, scoring 25 goals in 63 appearances. After brief stints with Juventus and Chelsea, Morata returned to Madrid, this time with Atletico, where he has found more consistent playing time.

Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Position: Striker

3. Famous Madrid Derby players : Thibaut Courtois

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, where he developed into a top-level goalkeeper. In 2018, he signed for Real Madrid and quickly became their first-choice goalkeeper, playing a crucial role in their domestic and European successes.

Clubs Played For: Atletico Madrid (loan), Real Madrid
Position: Goalkeeper

2. Controversial transfers between Real and Atletico Madrid : Raul Gonzalez

A legendary forward for Real Madrid, Raul Gonzalez is often considered one of the club’s greatest-ever players. However, few people know that Raul started his youth career at Atletico Madrid. He was spotted by Real Madrid scouts and switched to Los Blancos’ academy, where he became a club icon, scoring 228 goals in over 550 appearances.

Clubs Played For: Atletico Madrid (youth), Real Madrid
Position: Striker

1. Controversial transfers between Real and Atletico Madrid :

The most famous name in Real Madrid’s history, Santiago Bernabeu is the man behind the club’s dominance in the 1950s and 1960s. The club’s stadium bears his name as a testament to his influence. However, it’s a little-known fact that Bernabeu once played for Atletico Madrid in 1920 before returning to Real Madrid, where he left an indelible legacy.

Clubs Played For: Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid
Position: Forward (later club president)

Watch the video : Who is the best player played for both the madrid clubs

Conclusion: Madrid Derby’s Rare Crossovers

Despite the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, these top 10 players have successfully represented both sides, proving that sometimes football transcends even the fiercest of rivalries. From Santiago Bernabeu to Marcos Llorente, their careers demonstrate that talent knows no boundaries, even in the Madrid Derby.

FAQs: Footballers who played for both Madrid clubs

Who are the top players to play for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid?
Some of the top players to play for both clubs include Hugo Sanchez, Raul Gonzalez, Thibaut Courtois, and Marcos Llorente.
Which current player has played for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid?
Marcos Llorente and Alvaro Morata are current players who have represented both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Has Santiago Bernabeu played for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid?
Yes, Santiago Bernabeu, after whom Real Madrid’s stadium is named, briefly played for Atletico Madrid before returning to Real Madrid.
How many players have played for both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid?
Several players, including Hugo Sanchez, Juanfran, Jose Antonio Reyes, and more, have played for both clubs over the years.
Who is the most successful player to have played for both Madrid clubs?
Raul Gonzalez is one of the most successful players to have worn both Madrid jerseys, although his most prominent career achievements came with Real Madrid.

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