Despite the heated rivalry between the two capital city clubs, there are several players who have turned out for both sides over the years.
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid goes back to the very start of Spanish football and, over the years, there have been a few players who have turned out for both clubs. In the current squads, Thibaut Courtois and Marcos Llorente stand out for having a past with the other team, while we also look at five other historic players who have worn the white and the red and white shirts. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian shot-stopper has tasted LALIGA EA SPORTS glory with both Los Colchoneros and Los Blancos. He checked in at Atleti in 2011 and called time on his spell at the club in 2014, when he returned to Chelsea after a loan spell and after becoming a Spanish league champion, with the distinction of having conceded fewer goals than any other goalkeeper in the division. Real Madrid came calling in 2018 and, after a tricky start to life at the Bernabéu, Courtois has silenced all of his critics to cement his status as Real Madrid’s undisputed No.1, winning three more LALIGA EA SPORTS titles plus a pair of Champions League medals.
Marcos Llorente
The midfielder’s association with Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid goes right back to his childhood. The Spain international is the son of Paco Llorente and grandson of Ramon Grosso and has followed in their illustrious footsteps by turning out for both capital clubs. It was at Real Madrid where he made his professional debut, also benefitting from a productive loan spell at Deportivo Alavés, but since 2019 Llorente has worn the red and white and become a key player for Diego Simeone.
Raúl González Blanco
Although he never made a first-team appearance for Atlético de Madrid, Raúl González Blanco also spent time on the books of both clubs. He started out in the Atleti academy, but switched over to La Fábrica and progressed to the Real Madrid first team. His first goal came in ELDERBI DE MADRID, a 4-2 Real Madrid victory when the striker was just 17 years of age. It was the start of something special, as Raúl became an all-time Real Madrid legend.
Hugo Sánchez
Spooling back a few decades, Hugo Sánchez is another player who has crossed this derby divide. The Mexican landed at Atlético de Madrid when he first made the move to Spain, and scored 82 goals in 162 appearances, averaging just over one per two games. In 1985, he moved across the city to sign with Real Madrid, and helped Los Blancos to win five league championships in a row. Sánchez won five Pichichi Trophy titles as the top scorer in the division, one with Atlético de Madrid and then four with Real Madrid.
Álvaro Morata
Although no longer involved in ELDERBI DE MADRID, Álvaro Morata is one other player who has experienced both sides of this derby. He made his top-flight debut in Real Madrid colours in the 2010/11 campaign and was handed a first-team squad number two seasons later. He went on to chalk up 63 appearances for Los Vikingos and plundered 25 LALIGA EA SPORTS goals. Following a spell in English football, the frontman decided to return home to his native Madrid, but this time he would don the red and white of Atleti. Across a couple of spells in Simeone’s squads, he scored 58 goals in all competitions.
José Antonio Reyes
Looking at the players who have represented both of these teams, top-quality forwards is a common theme. Even if his beloved Sevilla FC always remained his first love, the late José Antonio Reyes was another player to spend time at both of these capital city clubs. After helping Real Madrid win the 2006/07 LALIGA EA SPORTS title with two goals against RCD Mallorca in the final game of the season, Reyes immediately switched sides of Spain’s capital, going on to spend five years at the Estadio Vicente Calderón and helping Atleti to two Europa League titles.
Juanfran
One player who became a fan favourite at Atlético de Madrid actually started his career with Real Madrid. Juanfran came through the academy of Los Blancos, making his first-team debut by coming on as a substitute for Roberto Carlos. After spending time with RCD Espanyol and CA Osasuna, the Spaniard ended up at Atlético de Madrid, where he fully transitioned from a right winger to a right-back, becoming a key pillar of Los Colchoneros’ golden era.
