Top 10 players to play for both Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona

These players have donned the jerseys of both clubs in their careers.

The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid goes back decades. Both clubs are giants of the Spanish top division and have achieved everything. It is no secret that Atletico Madrid's rivalry with FC Barcelona has intensified since Diego Simeone arrived. Both clubs haven't shied away from making business during this rivalry, which has produced many iconic moments both on and off the field. 

Today, we will take a look at the top 10 players who have played for both Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona.

10. Arda Turan

It was a big hype when Arda Turan moved to FC Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in 2015, thinking he would take his game to the next level. Despite his impressive performances at Atletico Madrid, Turan's career suddenly slumped after his move to the Catalan giants. After five years, he failed to make any impression and only made 36 appearances before returning to the Turkish league.

9. Eusebio Sacristan

Among the many people who associate Eusebio Sacristan with Girona, Real Sociedad, and Celta, he also played seven years for FC Barcelona after moving from Atletico Madrid in 1988. The former Spanish midfielder has a long history in the Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona chapters. Sacristan retired in 2002 and shifted to coaching.

8. Luis Garcia 

Luis Garcia is one of the most famous names in Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. The Spanish forward rose through the ranks of La Masia, but couldn't consolidate his position in the senior team. He then moved to Atletico Madrid in 2002 where after just one season FC Barcelona signed him back. However, the situation did not turn out as expected and he moved to Liverpool after one season.

7. Bernd Schuster

The German midfielder Bernard Schuster has not only represented both FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid but has also played for Real Madrid. After eight years at FC Barcelona, he joined Real Madrid in 1988 and then switched to Atletico Madrid in 1990. 

6. Thiago Motta

It is no secret that the Brazilian midfielder has played for some of the best clubs in his career, including PSG, Inter Milan, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. He started his career at FC Barcelona for eight years before leaving for Atletico Madrid after a lack of appearances. However, the move to his rivals also didn't work out as he left Atletico after one season.

5. Marcos Alonso Pena 

Marcos Alonso Pena began his career with Real Madrid youth, but ironically never played for their senior team, instead playing for FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, their archrivals. During the 1982-1987 season, Pena played for FC Barcelona and then moved to Atletico Madrid. He also managed Atletico Madrid in 2000.

4. Miguel Reina

A legendary goalkeeper, Miguel Reina is the father of Pepe Reina. Reina played for Barcelona from 1966 to 1973 and was a key architect of the success of the club. After that, he moved to Atletico Madrid, where he became their first-choice keeper and made 155 appearances. 

3. David Villa

The Spanish football legend David Villa is one of the few players to have played for FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Villa is a World Cup and Euros winner. He joined FC Barcelona from Valencia. In three years at FC Barcelona, the striker scored 33 goals from 77 appearances. In 2013, he moved to Atletico Madrid, where he spent one season.

2. Luis Suarez

The latest name associated with these two prestigious clubs is Luis Suarez. He left FC Barcelona in 2020 after six glorious years. While Suarez was a force to reckon with during his time with the Catalan capital, his departure was very controversial. As he won La Liga in his first season with Atletico Madrid, his move there turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him. 

1. Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann is the next name on the list. The French forward moved to FC Barcelona in a record move of $120 million. However, his time at FC Barcelona did not come to fruition as expected. During his entire stay, he struggled and eventually found a way out on a loan to Atletico Madrid in 2021.