Top 10 Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Manchester United

Real Madrid and Manchester United are two of the most iconic football clubs in the world, both with rich histories and a long list of world-class talents. Though the rivalry between these clubs has never been as fierce as other derbies, there is a unique group of players who have worn both the Manchester United and Real Madrid jerseys. From legendary names like David Beckham to more recent stars like Casemiro and Raphael Varane, these players have contributed to the legacy of both clubs. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 players who played for both Real Madrid and Manchester United, leaving their mark on European football.

Top 10 Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and Manchester United

10. Top players to play for both Real Madrid and Manchester United : Casemiro (Real Madrid 2013–2022, Manchester United 2022–Present)

Casemiro is the latest addition to the list of players who have made the move between these two footballing giants. The Brazilian midfielder, known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership, left Real Madrid after a decade of success, including five Champions League titles. Casemiro signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth an initial £60 million, with the potential for further add-ons. He was unveiled during United’s famous 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford and is expected to add much-needed strength to their midfield. Real Madrid Manchester United player history.

• Key Stats:
  Real Madrid: 336 appearances, 31 goals
  Manchester United: 20+ appearances (ongoing)

9. Top players to play for both Real Madrid and Manchester United : Laurie Cunningham (Real Madrid 1979–1984, Manchester United 1983)

Laurie Cunningham made history as the first-ever Englishman to play for Real Madrid and also became one of the first players to represent both Real Madrid and Manchester United. Known for his pace and flair on the wing, Cunningham made an instant impact at Madrid, scoring a brace on his debut. He spent five years in Spain, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey twice before being loaned to Manchester United in 1983, where he made five appearances.

• Key Stats:
  Real Madrid: 44 appearances, 6 goals
  Manchester United: 5 appearances

8. Top players to play for both Real Madrid and Manchester United : David Beckham (Manchester United 1992–2003, Real Madrid 2003–2007)

One of the most famous footballers of all time, David Beckham was a key part of Manchester United’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his pinpoint passing and free-kick prowess, Beckham was part of United’s legendary 1999 treble-winning team. In 2003, Beckham made a high-profile move to Real Madrid as part of the Galacticos era, where he won a La Liga title in 2007. Beckham’s global appeal made him a superstar both on and off the pitch at both clubs. Real Madrid Manchester United player history.

• Key Stats:
  Manchester United: 394 appearances, 85 goals
  Real Madrid: 155 appearances, 20 goals

7. Real Madrid and Manchester United shared players : Michael Owen (Real Madrid 2004–2005, Manchester United 2009–2012)

Michael Owen, one of the youngest players to win the Ballon d’Or, made the switch to Real Madrid in 2004 after a highly successful career at Liverpool. Although Owen was prolific for Los Blancos, scoring 18 goals in just 15 starts, he struggled to secure a starting role due to Madrid’s star-studded lineup. Owen returned to England, playing for Newcastle United, before signing with Manchester United in 2009, where he added a Premier League title to his accolades.

• Key Stats:
  Real Madrid: 45 appearances, 18 goals
  Manchester United: 52 appearances, 17 goals

6. Real Madrid and Manchester United shared players : Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United 2001–2006, Real Madrid 2006–2010)

One of the most lethal strikers of his generation, Ruud van Nistelrooy was a goal machine for Manchester United, netting 150 goals in five seasons. He helped United win the Premier League and was named PFA Player of the Year in his debut season. In 2006, Van Nistelrooy moved to Real Madrid, where he became La Liga’s top scorer in his first season and helped the club win two La Liga titles. Real Madrid Manchester United player history.

• Key Stats:
  Manchester United: 219 appearances, 150 goals
  Real Madrid: 96 appearances, 64 goals

5. Real Madrid and Manchester United shared players : Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United 2004–2007, Real Madrid 2007–2009)

Gabriel Heinze arrived at Manchester United in 2004 from Paris Saint-Germain and made an instant impact as a versatile defender. Heinze could play both as a left-back and center-back, and his tough tackling made him a fan favorite. In 2007, Heinze joined Real Madrid, where he spent two seasons, making 44 appearances. Although his time at Madrid was not trophy-laden, Heinze played an important role in their defense during his stay.

• Key Stats:
  Manchester United: 83 appearances, 4 goals
  Real Madrid: 44 appearances

4.Real Madrid and Manchester United legends : Raphael Varane (Real Madrid 2011–2021, Manchester United 2021–2024)

The most recent addition to this list, Raphael Varane is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. Varane spent a decade at Real Madrid, where he won everything from La Liga titles to Champions League trophies. In 2021, Varane moved to Manchester United for £34 million. At 28 years old, Varane still has plenty to offer, and United fans will hope his partnership with Harry Maguire will bring back the glory days to Old Trafford. Real Madrid Manchester United player history.

• Key Stats:
  Real Madrid: 360 appearances, 17 goals
  Manchester United: 65 appearances

3. Real Madrid and Manchester United legends : Ángel Di María (Real Madrid 2010–2014, Manchester United 2014–2015)

Ángel Di María enjoyed an immensely successful spell at Real Madrid, where he played a pivotal role in their 2014 Champions League triumph. Di María’s vision, dribbling, and crossing ability made him one of the top wingers in world football. However, his one season at Manchester United was a disappointment. Struggling to adapt to Louis van Gaal’s tactics and off-pitch issues, Di María left the club after just one season to join Paris Saint-Germain.

• Key Stats:
  Real Madrid: 190 appearances, 36 goals
  Manchester United: 32 appearances, 4 goals

2. Real Madrid and Manchester United legends : Javier Hernández (Manchester United 2010–2015, Real Madrid 2014–2015)

Known as Chicharito, Javier Hernández became a fan favorite at Manchester United, especially for his super-sub performances. He scored crucial goals for United and helped them win two Premier League titles. In 2014, Hernández joined Real Madrid on loan, where he contributed 18 goals and assists in 33 games. Although his loan was relatively successful, Madrid did not trigger the option to buy.

• Key Stats:
  Manchester United: 157 appearances, 59 goals
  Real Madrid: 33 appearances, 9 goals

1. The greatest Real Madrid and Manchester United player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United 2003–2009, 2021-2022,  Real Madrid 2009–2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his contributions to both Manchester United and Real Madrid are legendary. Ronaldo first joined Manchester United in 2003 as a young, talented winger. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo evolved into a global superstar, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.

In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid for a then-record €94 million, where he achieved even greater heights, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and winning four more Champions League titles. Then Ronaldo made a comeback to his beloved club in the year 2021, where things where different so apparently exited Man Utd on mutual terms in the year 2022.

• Key Stats:
  Manchester United: 348 appearances, 148 goals
  Real Madrid: 438 appearances, 450 goals

Watch the video : One player who is the legend at madrid and united

Conclusion: The greatest Real Madrid and Manchester United player

From David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo, the top 10 players who played for both Real Madrid and Manchester United have left an indelible mark on football history. Whether through legendary performances, iconic moments, or major trophies, these players have shown that success can transcend club rivalries. As football continues to evolve, the legacy of these players at both clubs will inspire future generations.

FAQs: Real Madrid Manchester United player history

1. Who is the most famous player to play for both Real Madrid and Manchester United?
   Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous player to have represented both Real Madrid and Manchester United, achieving legendary status at both clubs.
2. Which players played for both Manchester United and Real Madrid?
   Some of the top players who have played for both clubs include David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Raphael Varane.
3. Has any player transferred directly between Real Madrid and Manchester United?
   Yes, several players have transferred directly between the clubs, such as David Beckham and Gabriel Heinze.
4. How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score for Real Madrid and Manchester United?
   Cristiano Ronaldo scored 450 goals for Real Madrid and 118 goals for Manchester United.
5. Who is the latest player to join Manchester United from Real Madrid?
   Casemiro is the latest player to join Manchester United from Real Madrid, signing in 2022.

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