From Luis Suarez’s ultimate revenge to Griezmann’s €120m nightmare. Discover the complete list of 20 players who played for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid has defined La Liga for decades. Yet, despite battling for domestic dominance, these two Spanish giants have a rich history of exchanging talent. Some of these transfers completely shifted the balance of power in Spain, creating club legends, bitter betrayals, and massive transfer flops.
Based on historical data, exactly 20 players have had the privilege (and pressure) of wearing both the iconic Blaugrana stripes and the Rojiblanco red and white. Here is the complete list.
1. Luis Suarez
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FC Barcelona: 2014-2019 (Apps: 281 | Goals: 192 | Assists: 97) | Atletico Madrid: 2020-2021 (Apps: 83 | Goals: 34 | Assists: 5)
The ultimate revenge story in modern Spanish football.
At Camp Nou, Luis Suarez cemented his status as a legendary number 9, winning a historic treble within the terrifying “MSN” trio. However, his Catalan chapter ended bitterly in 2020 when Barcelona unceremoniously told him he was “too old” over a brief phone call.
Leaving the training ground in tears, he was immediately snapped up by Diego Simeone. Driven by vengeance, El Pistolero became the ruthless focal point of Atletico’s attack. He scored 21 league goals in his debut season, including the title-winning strike, practically dragging Los Rojiblancos to the 2020/21 La Liga crown and securing his ultimate vindication.
2. Antoine Griezmann
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Atletico Madrid: 2014-2025 (Apps: 487 | Goals: 211 | Assists: 88) | FC Barcelona: 2019-2021 (Apps: 102 | Goals: 35 | Assists: 16)
Griezmann built his legacy at Atletico Madrid, becoming the face of Diego Simeone’s project. However, his huge transfer to Barcelona in 2019 turned into a tactical nightmare. Playing out of position to accommodate Lionel Messi, the Frenchman never looked truly comfortable at Camp Nou.
Recognizing this expensive mistake, he returned to Atletico, completely rebuilt his relationship with the passionate fans, and remarkably cemented his legendary status as the club’s greatest player and top goalscorer ever.
3. David Villa
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FC Barcelona: 2010-2012 (Apps: 103 | Goals: 41 | Assists: 15) | Atletico Madrid: 2013 (Apps: 43 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 4)
El Guaje experienced incredible highs at Camp Nou, winning multiple trophies and famously scoring a stunning curling effort in the 2011 Champions League final.
However, after recovering from a devastating leg break, he was surprisingly sold to Atletico Madrid for a mere €5.1 million in 2013. This bargain transfer proved to be an absolute masterstroke for Diego Simeone.
Bringing his elite mentality to a hungry squad, Villa scored crucial goals and played a pivotal role in the historic 2013/14 campaign, helping Atletico miraculously break the Real-Barca duopoly to lift the La Liga title.
4. Arda Turan
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Atletico Madrid: 2011-2014 (Apps: 163 | Goals: 20 | Assists: 25) | FC Barcelona: 2015-2017 (Apps: 55 | Goals: 15 | Assists: 9)
At Atletico Madrid, Arda Turan was the fiery heartbeat of Diego Simeone’s midfield. The Turkish maestro perfectly combined relentless grit with sublime technical flair, playing an instrumental role in Atletico’s miraculous 2013/14 La Liga triumph.
Seeking to elevate his career, he secured a €34 million dream move to Barcelona in 2015. However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare. Due to Barcelona’s FIFA transfer ban, Turan was forced to sit on the sidelines for six months.
When he finally debuted, he looked sluggish and completely lacked the tactical discipline required for Barca’s possession-based system, ultimately going down as one of Camp Nou’s most expensive flops.
5. Joao Felix
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Atletico Madrid: 2019-2023 (Apps: 131 | Goals: 34 | Assists: 16) | FC Barcelona: 2023 (Apps: 44 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 6)
Atletico Madrid shattered their club transfer record to sign the Portuguese prodigy for a staggering €126 million in 2019. However, Joao Felix’s free-flowing creative style consistently clashed with Diego Simeone’s defensive-minded system.
Frustrated by his lack of tactical freedom, Felix publicly declared his “dream” to play for Barcelona, effectively burning his bridges in the capital. He secured a highly-anticipated loan move to Camp Nou in 2023.
While he produced moments of pure magic – most notably scoring a crucial winner against Atletico and delivering a controversial celebration – his overall inconsistency meant a financially-stricken Barcelona ultimately could not afford to make the move permanent.
6. Sergio Aguero
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Atletico Madrid: 2006-2010 (Apps: 208 | Goals: 90 | Assists: 29) | FC Barcelona: 2021 (Apps: 5 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0)
Before becoming a Premier League icon, “Kun” Agüero was a teenage sensation at Atletico Madrid. Arriving as a highly-touted youngster, he formed a lethal partnership with Diego Forlán and led the club to a historic Europa League triumph in 2010.
In the twilight of his legendary career, Aguero joined Barcelona in 2021 with one primary goal: to finally play alongside his best friend, Lionel Messi. Tragically, this dream was shattered when Messi unexpectedly left weeks later.
Compounding the heartbreak, Agüero was forced into sudden retirement due to a heart condition after just five appearances. Yet, he fittingly left his final mark by scoring his only Barcelona goal in an El Clásico versus Real Madrid.
7. Memphis Depay
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FC Barcelona: 2021-2022 (Apps: 42 | Goals: 14 | Assists: 2) | Atletico Madrid: 2022-2023 (Apps: 40 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 2)
Memphis arrived at Barcelona during a period of financial turmoil and impressively top-scored in his debut season. However, Robert Lewandowski’s arrival quickly pushed him down the pecking order, prompting a transfer to Atletico Madrid.
Under Diego Simeone, the dynamic Dutch forward showcased his undeniable brilliance, scoring several spectacular goals. Unfortunately, persistent muscle injuries constantly disrupted his rhythm, ultimately preventing him from cementing a permanent starting role for Los Rojiblancos.
8. Thiago Motta
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FC Barcelona: 2001-2006 (Apps: 133 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 11) | Atletico Madrid: 2007 (Apps: 8 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
A fierce competitor forged in La Masia, Thiago Motta spent his early career as a reliable defensive midfielder for Barcelona, winning back-to-back La Liga titles and the 2006 Champions League. However, his promising trajectory at Camp Nou was frequently derailed by frustrating injuries.
Seeking a fresh start and regular minutes, he joined Atletico Madrid in 2007. Unfortunately, disaster struck almost immediately in the capital. A devastating knee injury ruined his season, restricting the combative midfielder to a mere eight appearances for Los Rojiblancos.
He quietly left Spain shortly after, eventually rebuilding his career to become a tactical maestro in Italy and France.
9. Simao Sabrosa
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FC Barcelona: 1999-2000 (Apps: 62 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 8) | Atletico Madrid: 2007-2010 (Apps: 146 | Goals: 28 | Assists: 21)
Simao arrived at Barcelona in 1999 as a highly-rated teenage winger from Sporting CP. Following Luís Figo’s controversial departure to Real Madrid, the immense pressure to replace his iconic compatriot proved simply too overwhelming for the young Portuguese talent.
After struggling to fulfill his potential at Camp Nou, he returned to Portugal and rebuilt his reputation into a bona fide European star. In 2007, he made a triumphant return to Spain with Aletico Madrid. A completely transformed and mature player, Simao became an absolute fan favorite at the Vicente Calderon, helping the club secure the 2010 Europa League title.
10. Luis García
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FC Barcelona: 1998-2003 (Apps: 32 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 7) | Atletico Madrid: 2002-2008 (Apps: 91 | Goals: 14 | Assists: 9)
A highly technical and creative La Masia graduate, Luis García initially struggled to secure consistent first-team minutes in Catalonia.
Seeking regular playing time, he enjoyed a highly successful loan spell at Atletico Madrid during the 2002/03 season. His impressive performances convinced Barcelona to bring him back, where he played one solid season under Frank Rijkaard before securing his famous, Champions League-winning move to Liverpool.
In 2007, Garcia returned to Atletico Madrid for a second short stint.
11. Clement Lenglet
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FC Barcelona: 2018-2021 (Apps: 160 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 2) | Atletico Madrid: 2024-2025 (Apps: 52 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 3)
Clement Lenglet’s journey in Spain is a tale of soaring highs and confidence-shattering lows. Arriving at Camp Nou from Sevilla in 2018, the elegant French center-back initially thrived. However, as Barcelona’s collective structure began to crumble in subsequent years, Lenglet’s form drastically declined, and he frequently became the scapegoat for several high-profile defensive collapses.
Desperate to rebuild his confidence, he joined Atletico Madrid for the 2024/25 campaign. Operating within Diego Simeone’s notoriously disciplined and protective defensive block, Lenglet finally found the tactical stability he craved, allowing him to rediscover his composure in the capital.
12. Sergi Barjuan
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FC Barcelona: 1992-2001 (Apps: 322 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 3) | Atletico Madrid: 2002-2004 (Apps: 86 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
A true Barcelona legend.
As the dynamic left-back for Johan Cruyff’s legendary “Dream Team”, Sergi amassed over 300 appearances, winning multiple La Liga titles and leaving an indelible mark on Camp Nou.
After nearly a decade of tireless service, his playing time diminished, leading to his departure in 2002. Bringing his invaluable experience and fierce winning mentality, he surprisingly joined Atlético Madrid, who had just returned to the Spanish top flight.
Sergi spent the final three seasons of his career adding crucial stability to Los Rojiblancos’ backline.
13. Demetrio Albertini
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Atletico Madrid: 2002 (Apps: 28 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 6) | FC Barcelona: 2004 (Apps: 6 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
The legendary AC Milan midfield maestro spent the twilight of his career touring Spain. Albertini enjoyed a solid single season at Atlético Madrid. Later, he made a six-game cameo for Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona before retiring with another league title.
14. Miquel Soler
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FC Barcelona: 1988-1992 (Apps: 82 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 0) | Atletico Madrid: 1991 (Apps: 25 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0)
Soler holds a very rare distinction in Spanish football: he is one of the very few players to have played for Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, and Espanyol during his marathon career in La Liga.
He was a reliable left-sided player for Johan Cruyff’s early “Dream Team”, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup before spending a single, solid season at Atlético Madrid.
15. Juan Carlos
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Atletico Madrid: 1987-1991 (Apps: 104 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 0) | FC Barcelona: 1991-1994 (Apps: 73 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
A reliable left-back who made his name as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid. His consistent performances caught the eye of Johan Cruyff, leading to a move to Barcelona where he became a European Cup winner in 1992.
16. Santiago Ezquerro
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Atletico Madrid: 1996-1998 (Apps: 13 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 0) | FC Barcelona: 2005-2008 (Apps: 41 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 2)
Ezquerro started his top-flight journey with a brief stint at Atletico. After making a name for himself at Athletic Bilbao, he joined Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona, serving as a loyal backup forward and earning a Champions League medal in 2006.
17. Delfi Geli
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FC Barcelona: 1989-1990 (Apps: 1 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Atletico Madrid: 1994-1999 (Apps: 193 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 2)
Delfí Geli’s experiences at these two clubs could not be more contrasting. He barely featured for Barcelona, making just a single official appearance.
However, he eventually found his true home in the capital, becoming an absolute icon at Atletico Madrid during the 1990s. Operating as a reliable full-back, his crowning moment came when he famously scored a decisive header in the 1996 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, helping Atletico secure a historic domestic double.
18. Lluis Carreras
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FC Barcelona: 1990-1996 (Apps: 23 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Atletico Madrid: 2001-2003 (Apps: 45 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 0)
A La Masia product who struggled to secure a permanent spot in Catalonia during the 90s. Later in his career, he joined Atlético Madrid and played a crucial role in helping the club secure promotion back to La Liga.
19. Pablo Alfaro
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FC Barcelona: 1992-1993 (Apps: 14 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0) | Atletico Madrid: 1996-1997 (Apps: 11 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
Widely feared for his extremely aggressive and uncompromising defending style, Alfaro had one-season spells at both clubs during the 1990s before eventually cementing his legacy as a legendary enforcer at Sevilla.
20. Nano (Fernando Macedo da Silva)
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FC Barcelona: 1999-2003 (Apps: 4 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Atletico Madrid: 2003-2005 (Apps: 36 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 1)
Nano made his debut for Barcelona as a highly-rated teenager but couldn’t break into first team. Moving to Atletico Madrid in 2003 provided him with much-needed regular playing time in La Liga before continuing his career across Spain.
FAQ
Q: Who is the most expensive player to transfer between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid?
A: Antoine Griezmann. In the summer of 2019, Barcelona triggered Griezmann’s massive €120 million release clause to bring him to Camp Nou. However, after two underwhelming seasons, he returned to Atlético Madrid for a fraction of that price.
Q: Did Luis Suárez win La Liga with both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid?
A: Yes, absolutely. Luis Suárez won four La Liga titles during his highly successful six-year spell at Barcelona. After being sold to Atlético Madrid in 2020, he made an immediate impact by scoring 21 league goals and leading Diego Simeone’s side to the 2020/21 La Liga title in his very first season.
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