Top 10 players who supported their arch-rival clubs
Andres Iniesta grew up hating the Catalan-based outfit Barcelona.
Some stories in football defy logic, blurring the line between fierce loyalty and unexpected allegiance. Footballing careers often intertwine with moments of irony and surreal twists, leaving fans bewildered and nostalgic in equal measure. Imagine Harry Kane, the embodiment of Tottenham Hotspur, donning the red and white of Arsenal, or Andrés Iniesta, a Barcelona maestro, dreaming of becoming the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu. Such scenarios feel like sacrilege in the footballing universe, yet they underline the unpredictable nature of life and sport.
Throughout history, several legendary players have pledged their loyalty to clubs they initially regarded as adversaries, proving that destiny has its own unique playbook. These fascinating tales are not just anomalies but narratives that reveal the human side of football’s biggest stars, as their childhood dreams met the practicality of their professional journeys.
In this article, we explore the top 10 football icons who, at some point, harboured admiration for their arch-rivals before etching their names into the folklore of opposing clubs. Buckle up for an extraordinary exploration of stories where fate, irony, and brilliance collide.
10. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini, a name forever etched in the annals of football history, stands as the epitome of loyalty, devotion, and unparalleled excellence. Widely regarded as the embodiment of AC Milan, Maldini’s illustrious career is a testament to the timeless romance between a player and his club. Over three decades, Maldini redefined the concept of a one-club player, making an astounding 647 appearances and scoring 29 goals for AC Milan, while lifting an extraordinary array of silverware that includes seven Serie A titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies. His legacy is synonymous with dominance, grace, and an unyielding commitment to the Rossoneri.
Yet, the ironies of life often pave the way for fascinating tales. Imagine the unthinkable: Maldini, the indomitable Milan legend, cheering for Juventus as a boy. Yes, before carving out his legacy in the iconic red and black stripes, the young Paolo Maldini idolized Juventus—a revelation that seems almost heretical given his lifelong association with AC Milan. But destiny had its own script, steering Maldini away from his boyhood fandom and toward a career that would redefine football loyalty and etch his name as an immortal at the San Siro.
9. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, a name that resonates with unparalleled reverence among the Stamford Bridge faithful, stands as one of Chelsea’s most iconic figures. His legacy at Chelsea is etched in gold, with a record-breaking 429 appearances and 147 goals, cementing his place as the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history. Lampard’s achievements as a player are monumental, with multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy to his name. Later, as a manager, he further solidified his bond with Chelsea, guiding the team to an FA Cup final in the 2019-20 season and nurturing young talents during a pivotal period for the club.
However, behind the blue of Chelsea lies a lesser-known tale of a boyhood dream tied to claret and blue. Born to Frank Lampard Sr., a West Ham United legend, Lampard grew up idolizing the Hammers and their striker Francis McAvennie. His heart was initially set on following in his father’s footsteps and gracing the pitch at Upton Park. In fact, Lampard began his professional career at West Ham, where he displayed glimpses of the brilliance that would later define his time at Chelsea.
Yet, football, with its unpredictable twists, had a different path in store. While his roots were firmly planted in East London, Lampard made peace with destiny’s call and embraced Chelsea, where he would achieve greatness. From his impeccable midfield prowess to his leadership qualities, Lampard transcended the boundaries of his childhood loyalties to become a symbol of excellence and dedication for Chelsea. His journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, where dreams and reality often chart contrasting yet unforgettable courses.
8. Luka Modric
Luka Modrić‘s transformation from an ardent admirer of FC Barcelona to a Real Madrid icon is a tale filled with fascinating twists. Growing up, Modrić was deeply inspired by Barcelona’s legacy, so much so that his Croatian teammate and compatriot, Ivan Rakitić, famously remarked that Luka seemed “more Catalan” than himself. Modrić idolized Johan Cruyff, the legendary number 14 for Barcelona, whose style and philosophy left an indelible mark on the young midfielder.
In their bid to lure Modrić, Barcelona reportedly offered him the coveted number 14 jersey as a symbolic gesture to match his admiration for Cruyff. The efforts even included media portrayals of Modrić donning Barcelona colours, intensifying speculation. However, life had other plans, and Modrić’s journey took him from Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham Hotspur, ultimately leading him to Real Madrid.
At Real Madrid, Modrić evolved into a generational talent, defining midfield mastery with his unparalleled vision, control, and versatility. His contributions have been instrumental in Madrid’s dominance, helping them secure numerous LaLiga titles and an astounding five UEFA Champions League trophies. Beyond the accolades, Modrić’s loyalty and resilience in the white jersey have made him a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu, etching his name into the pantheon of football greats.
7. Kevin de Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s name is virtually inseparable from Manchester City, where he has cemented his legacy as one of the most pivotal architects behind their rise to becoming a dominant force in English and European football. The 33-year-old Belgian maestro from Drongen, who previously plied his trade with Chelsea and Wolfsburg, has transformed into a legend at the Etihad, orchestrating City’s midfield with unparalleled vision, precision, and creativity.
However, few are aware of De Bruyne’s early allegiance to Liverpool, a club he ardently admired during his youth. His devotion to the Merseyside outfit was so profound that he proudly owned a Michael Owen jersey, which he considered among his prized possessions. Often seen sporting Liverpool tracksuits and jerseys during his formative years, De Bruyne’s admiration for the Reds was evident.
Yet, fate had different plans for the Belgian playmaker. Joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne not only embraced the blue of Manchester but also redefined what it means to be a midfield general. From delivering incisive passes to scoring crucial goals, his contributions have been instrumental in City’s Premier League triumphs, FA Cup victories, and their long-sought UEFA Champions League success.
6. John Terry
John George Terry, a name forever etched in Chelsea’s history, emerged as the embodiment of resilience, leadership, and loyalty. Yet, the story of this Stamford Bridge legend is rooted in a rather unexpected beginning. Born into a family of ardent Manchester United supporters, Terry grew up in a household where allegiance to the Red Devils and Old Trafford was almost sacred. His father and grandfather were staunch admirers of Manchester United, and Terry himself admitted to growing up supporting a club synonymous with success.
Despite this deep-rooted connection to Manchester United, destiny steered Terry’s path toward a very different legacy. When he joined Chelsea, Terry recalled that from his very first day at the club, he felt an unshakable sense of belonging. In an interview, he confessed that it was clear to him almost immediately that Chelsea was where he wanted to grow, thrive, and carve out his place in football history.
Over an illustrious 19-year career at Stamford Bridge, Terry became Chelsea’s most successful captain and one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history. Making 492 appearances and scoring 41 goals, he led the Blues to unparalleled heights, winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, and clinching both the UEFA Europa League and the elusive UEFA Champions League titles.
5. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba, the charismatic French midfielder whose career has been a mix of brilliance and unpredictability, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Manchester United, Juventus, and the French national team. With 91 international caps and 11 goals, Pogba played a pivotal role in Les Bleus’ success, particularly in their 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. His club career, featuring standout performances and a second stint at Old Trafford, solidified his status as a global footballing icon. However, behind the veneer of his professional affiliations lies an intriguing facet of his boyhood dreams—a deep admiration for Arsenal.
As a young football enthusiast, Pogba was captivated by Arsenal‘s storied legacy of nurturing French talent. Growing up, he idolized the stars who donned the Gunners’ jersey, with Thierry Henry, one of the greatest strikers of all time, being a notable influence. Arsenal’s knack for cultivating French legends like Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès added to the club’s allure for a young Pogba. It was a natural fascination, fueled by the club’s reputation as a haven for French excellence.
Despite his admiration for Arsenal, fate had different plans for Pogba. His professional journey led him to rival clubs where he forged his legacy. Yet, the idea of Pogba sporting an Arsenal jersey, and orchestrating play from midfield at the Emirates, remains a tantalizing “what if” scenario for football romantics. It’s a testament to the unpredictability of football—where childhood dreams and professional realities often take divergent paths.
4. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale, the Welsh wizard whose name has become synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur, once stunned the footballing world by admitting his admiration for Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry during his childhood. Despite carving out a legendary career at Tottenham and Real Madrid, Bale’s revelation remains a bitter pill for Spurs supporters, given the fierce rivalry between the two North London clubs.
The winger began his career at Southampton, showcasing his immense talent before joining Spurs in 2007. At White Hart Lane, Bale rose to stardom, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success, including their Football League Cup triumph in 2007-08. His electrifying pace, incredible left foot, and ability to perform in crucial moments made him a fan favourite.
His performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to form one of the most formidable attacking trios in football history. At Madrid, Bale won multiple UEFA Champions League titles and cemented his place among the club’s legends.
Despite a brief return to Tottenham on loan later in his career, the revelation of his childhood admiration for Arsenal legends is a detail Spurs fans would rather forget. Arsenal’s iconic duo, Bergkamp and Henry, left an indelible mark on a young Bale, influencing his early footballing aspirations. However, destiny had different plans, steering him toward a career that would see him torment Arsenal on numerous occasions while wearing the white of Tottenham.
3. Jamie Carragher
When the name Jamie Carragher comes to mind, it evokes an image of one of Liverpool‘s greatest icons, a player synonymous with loyalty, resilience, and undying commitment to the Anfield faithful. Unquestionably one of the finest defenders in Liverpool’s storied history, Carragher is celebrated as a one-club man, dedicating his entire professional career to the Reds. The Bootle-born centre-back etched his name into the club’s history, making 508 Premier League appearances and leading Liverpool to some of their most memorable triumphs, including the iconic UEFA Champions League victory in 2004-05.
However, a revelation that would stun the Anfield faithful is Carragher’s childhood allegiance—not to Liverpool—but to their Merseyside rivals, Everton. Growing up in a household adorned with Everton’s royal blue, Carragher’s admiration for the Toffees ran deep. In a candid interview, he even confessed that his boyhood passion for Everton exceeded his enthusiasm for the England national team. When posed with a playful yet provocative question—whether he’d prefer England to win the FIFA World Cup or Everton to do the double over Liverpool—Carragher’s response was unwavering. He declared he would rather see Everton defeat Liverpool week after week than witness England lift the World Cup trophy.
Carragher’s journey from an Everton-loving boy to a Liverpool legend is a testament to the twists and turns that destiny can orchestrate. Despite his early infatuation with Everton’s colours, he embraced Liverpool’s crest with unparalleled fervour and became one of the most dependable and celebrated defenders in the Premier League era. His legacy at Anfield, built on grit, leadership, and countless heroic performances, firmly cements him as a Reds icon—even if his childhood dreams were painted in shades of blue.
2. Harry Kane
Harry Kane, the emblem of Tottenham Hotspur and one of the most prolific strikers in football history, has etched his name in the annals of the game as Tottenham’s all-time leading goal scorer, England’s highest-ever goal scorer, and the second-highest goal scorer in Premier League history. With 317 appearances and countless match-winning performances since his senior debut in 2010, Kane’s name is intrinsically tied to the White Hart Lane outfit, making him a beloved figure among Spurs faithful. However, an intriguing chapter of his early life reveals a strikingly different allegiance.
Few know that Kane was once an ardent Arsenal fan. As a boy with Irish ancestry, his footballing journey began with Arsenal’s youth academy, where he briefly plied his trade. However, he was eventually sidelined, a decision that led him to seek opportunities elsewhere, including at Tottenham. Remarkably, a photograph from his childhood days captures him donning an Arsenal jersey, an image that Spurs fans might find hard to reconcile with the player who became their talisman.
Despite his early affiliation with Arsenal, life and destiny had other plans. Kane’s journey at Tottenham transformed him into a club icon, redefining the standards of goal-scoring excellence and earning the adoration of millions worldwide. This tale of shifting loyalties and unexpected triumphs underscores the unpredictable beauty of football—where even the most fervent allegiances of youth can give way to a legacy built in the colours of an arch-rival.
1. Andres Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta, often hailed as the embodiment of elegance and composure on the football pitch, is a name forever etched in the history of FC Barcelona and Spanish football. With 442 appearances for the Blaugrana, the 40-year-old Spanish maestro was a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s golden era, orchestrating countless victories, including triumphs in El Clásico against Real Madrid. Yet, the journey of this iconic midfielder to the heart of Camp Nou was far from straightforward and began with a surprising chapter of animosity toward the very club he would later define.
As a young boy playing for Albacete’s youth team, Iniesta experienced a moment that fueled his disdain for Barcelona. During a match against Albacete, the Catalan giants ruthlessly dismantled the young team, defeating them 7-0. The humiliation left a lasting impression on a young Iniesta, igniting anger and resentment so profound that he reportedly threw tantrums and even developed a fleeting affinity for Real Madrid, viewing them as a counterpoint to the team that had dealt such a harsh blow to his childhood club.
Despite this early enmity, destiny steered Iniesta toward Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. Once there, the brilliance of his footballing mind and technical prowess shone through, as he evolved into one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation. Iniesta’s mastery of the game helped Barcelona secure countless trophies, including LaLiga titles and UEFA Champions League victories. He was a nightmare for Real Madrid in El Clásico clashes.
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