From Viktor Gyökeres to the mysterious Emiliano Viviano, discover the 8 players who played for both Arsenal and Sporting CP ahead of their 2026 UCL Quarter-Final clash.
The UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Sporting CP and Arsenal is more than just a tactical battle; it’s a reunion for Viktor Gyökeres – who represented both the clubs.
In fact, the history between North London and Lisbon is paved with shared icons, forgotten starlets, and one very famous “ghost” goalkeeper.
1. Viktor Gyokeres
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Sporting CP: 2023-2025 (Apps: 102 | Goals: 97 | Assists: 28) | Arsenal: 2025-Present (Apps: 43+ | Goals: 17+ | Assists: 2+)
The undisputed headline act. The most famous among players who played for both Arsenal and Sporting CP
Gyokeres was the heartbeat of Sporting CP for two seasons, becoming a literal goal machine and a fan idol at the Estádio José Alvalade. His blockbuster €66m move to Arsenal in July 2025 fundamentally changed the trajectory of both clubs.
However, life in North London didn’t start as a fairy tale. Gyokeres initially struggled to adapt to Mikel Arteta’s demanding tactical system and the sheer physical intensity of the Premier League. For the first few months, the Swedish powerhouse faced heavy criticism as he went through several goal droughts, leading many to wonder if he could replicate his Portuguese form in England.
But credit to the striker’s elite mentality – he didn’t buckle under the pressure. Through hard work on the training ground and Arteta’s persistent backing, Gyokeres eventually found his rhythm. He is now fully integrated into the Gunners’ frontline.
2. Hector Bellerin
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Arsenal: 2011-2022 (Apps: 239 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 29) | Sporting CP: 2023 (Apps: 13 | Goals: 1)
A true Arsenal cult hero.
Bellerín arrived at the Emirates as a teenager from La Masia. Known for his blistering pace, fashion sense, he won three FA Cups during a decade in North London.
After a brief return to Barcelona, Bellerín moved to Sporting CP in January 2023. Unlike his long and storied career at Arsenal, his stint in Lisbon was a short-lived spell. He was brought in primarily as a quick fix to provide cover after Pedro Porro’s departure to Tottenham.
He struggled to recapture his peak Premier League form and only managed 13 appearances.
3. Cedric Soares
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Sporting CP: 2010-2015 (Apps: 94 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 12) | Arsenal: 2020-2024 (Apps: 64 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 5)
A product of the world-renowned Sporting CP academy, Cédric spent over 15 years in Lisbon, climbing the ranks from the age of seven. He was a solid, dependable full-back for the Lions, winning the Taça de Portugal before heading to the Premier League with Southampton.
However, his move to Arsenal in 2020 is remembered far less fondly by the North London faithful. Initially signed on loan while injured, Cedric became a symbol of Arsenal’s struggling recruitment during a difficult transitional period.
Despite his professional attitude, he often struggled with the pace and physicality of the league, eventually becoming a permanent fixture on the bench. By the time he left in 2024, Cédric was largely viewed as an unwanted surplus to requirements, representing a rare “fail” in Arsenal’s scouting of Portuguese talent compared to his stellar early days at Sporting.
4. Luis Boa Morte
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Sporting CP: 1996-1997 | Arsenal: 1997–1999 (Apps: 39 | Goals: 4 | Assists: 2)
Luís Boa Morte was one of Arsene Wenger’s earliest signings from the Portuguese market. Arriving from Sporting CP as a raw 20-year-old in 1997, he was part of the squad that famously won the 1997/98 Double. However, calling him a “key player” would be a massive overstatement.
Stuck behind world-class talents like Marc Overmars, Boa Morte struggled to find a consistent place in the starting XI. He was largely used as a late substitute or a rotation option in domestic cups, often looking a step off the pace required for Wenger’s high-speed transitions.
While he technically has a Premier League winner’s medal, his time at Highbury was ultimately disappointing. It wasn’t until he left Arsenal for Southampton and later Fulham that he finally proved he could cut it in England.
5. Emiliano Viviano
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Arsenal: 2013-2014 (Apps: 0) | Sporting CP: 2018-2019 (Apps: 0)
One of the strangest transfer stories in UCL history. No apperances, but still on the list of players who played for both Arsenal and Sporting CP.
Viviano is a high-profile international goalkeeper who was on the books of both clubs but never played a single competitive minute for either first team.
He joined Arsenal on loan in 2013 to provide cover but remained a permanent spectator. His move to Sporting years later was equally ill-fated, coming during a period of massive boardroom chaos that saw him leave without making an impact on the pitch.
He remains a “ghost” figure for trivia fans of both clubs.
6. Joel Campbell
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Arsenal: 2011–2018 (Apps: 40 | Goals: 4 | Assists: 6) | Sporting CP: 2016–2017 (Apps: 29 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 4)
The ultimate nomad.
Campbell was a perennial loanee during his seven-year stint at Arsenal. One of his most successful temporary moves was his season-long stay in Lisbon. He displayed flashes of world-class flair in the Primeira Liga, and his technical style was perfectly suited to Sporting’s attacking football, though he never quite did enough to convince Arsenal to keep him long-term.
7. Rui Fonte
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Sporting CP: Academy | Arsenal: 2006-2009 (Apps: 1 | Goals: 0)
Poached from Sporting’s academy as a 16-year-old in 2006, Fonte was once considered the “next big thing” in Arsenal’s youth system. Despite dominating at the reserve level, he only managed one senior appearance in a League Cup match before returning to Portugal.
8. Raphael Meade
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Arsenal: 1980-1985 (Apps: 51 | Goals: 16) | Sporting CP: 1985-1987 (Apps: 9 | Goals: 7)
A trailblazer from the 1980s.
A product of the Arsenal youth system, Meade scored several crucial goals before making the brave move directly to Lisbon in 1985. He spent two seasons at Sporting CP, proving to be a rare English players in Portugal during that era.
FAQ: Sporting vs Arsenal History
Q: Who are the most successful players who played for both Arsenal and Sporting CP?
A: In terms of trophies, Luis Boa Morte stands out as a Premier League and FA Cup winner. However, Viktor Gyökeres is currently the most high-profile star to have led both attacks.
Q: Are there any players who played for both Arsenal and Sporting CP but never made a first-team appearance for either?
A: That would be Emiliano Viviano. The Italian goalkeeper was on the books of Arsenal (2013/14) and Sporting CP (2018/19) but failed to record a single competitive minute for either side’s first team.
Q: Who was the first player to represent both Sporting CP and Arsenal?
A: The trailblazer was Raphael Meade. A product of the Arsenal youth system in the early 1980s, Meade made the bold move directly from Highbury to Lisbon in 1985, scoring 15 goals during his two-season stint with the Lions.
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