Only a few Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players have represented both clubs. See the complete list and how they adapted to two very different systems.
Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid represent two European clubs currently navigating very different trajectories. While Diego Simeone has maintained Atlético Madrid as a consistent, tactically rigid powerhouse in La Liga and the Champions League, Spurs have endured a turbulent period, struggling for form and frequently slipping down the Premier League standings.
Despite these contrasting modern realities and their fundamentally different footballing philosophies, the transfer pipeline between North London and the Spanish capital has seen several notable names cross paths. Tracking the careers of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players reveals a fascinating crossover of talent.
Below is the comprehensive list of 6 players who have featured for both clubs during their professional careers.
1. Toby Alderweireld
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2015–2020 | Apps: 234 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 5
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Atlético Madrid: 2013 | Apps: 16 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0
Toby Alderweireld established himself as one of the premier ball-playing center-backs in Europe during his prime. However, before cementing his legacy in North London, the Belgian defender was one of the most recognizable Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players in recent history.
He joined Atlético from Ajax in the summer of 2013. Operating primarily as a backup to the established central defensive pairing of Diego Godín and Miranda, he helped the squad secure the La Liga title in the 2013/14 season and reach the Champions League final.
Seeking regular playing time, Alderweireld eventually moved to the Premier League. Following a successful loan spell at Southampton, he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, he formed a formidable defensive partnership with his compatriot Jan Vertonghen. His exceptional long-range passing and positional awareness were fundamental to Tottenham’s sustained top-four finishes and their run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.
2. Kieran Trippier
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2015–2018 | Apps: 114 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 22
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Atlético Madrid: 2019–2021 | Apps: 86 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 11
Kieran Trippier’s career trajectory is one of the most unique among modern English full-backs, making him arguably the most successful of all Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players.
Arriving at Spurs from Burnley, Trippier initially served as Kyle Walker’s understudy before securing the starting right-back position. Renowned for his crossing accuracy, he was a key attacking outlet for Spurs, notably starting in the 2019 Champions League Final.
In the summer of 2019, Trippier made the bold decision to leave England and test himself in La Liga. The move proved highly successful. Under Diego Simeone’s rigorous coaching, Trippier significantly improved his one-on-one defending. He became an integral part of Atlético’s starting XI, operating effectively as a right wing-back.
His consistent performances culminated in Atlético Madrid winning the La Liga title in the 2020/21 season.
3. Sergio Reguilón
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2020–2024 | Apps: 72 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 8
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Atlético Madrid: 2022 | Apps: 12 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0
Sergio Reguilón’s connection between the two clubs involves a transition from the Premier League back to his native Spain. Tottenham acquired the energetic left-back from Real Madrid in 2020 following his impressive loan spell at Sevilla. Reguilón initially showed promise as an attacking full-back under Jose Mourinho. However, subsequent managerial changes saw him fall down the pecking order.
To secure regular playing time, Reguilón joined Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan in 2022. Unfortunately, his time at the Metropolitano Stadium was heavily disrupted by injuries. He struggled to break into the starting lineup ahead of established options like Yannick Carrasco, restricting his impact before returning to England.
4. Matt Doherty
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2020–2022 | Apps: 67 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 8
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Atlético Madrid: 2022 | Apps: 2 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0
Remember that infamous unveiling video where Spurs made Doherty awkwardly delete his old pro-Arsenal tweets right after signing?
Matt Doherty built his reputation in English football as a highly effective wing-back for Wolverhampton Wanderers, prompting Tottenham to secure his services in 2020.
His tenure in North London was marked by fluctuating form; he struggled initially when deployed as a traditional full-back but later showed improvement when Antonio Conte reinstated a wing-back system.
In a highly unusual transfer deadline day move in January 2023, Doherty’s contract with Tottenham was mutually terminated to bypass FIFA’s loan limit rules, allowing him to sign a permanent short-term contract with Atlético Madrid.
Expected to provide squad depth, Doherty found it difficult to displace Nahuel Molina. He played extremely limited minutes under Simeone, making only two appearances.
5. Clément Lenglet
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2022 | Apps: 35 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 2
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Atlético Madrid: 2024–2025 | Apps: 51 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 2
Clément Lenglet navigated both clubs while seeking to rebuild his career momentum away from Barcelona. The left-footed French center-back joined Tottenham on a season-long loan for the 2022/23 campaign. He featured regularly on the left side of a back three, demonstrating his excellent progressive passing abilities, though the team as a whole struggled with defensive consistency.
Following his stint in the Premier League, Lenglet moved to Atlético Madrid to reinforce their central defense. Fitting into Simeone’s structured system, he became another notable addition to the list of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players, accumulating over 50 appearances across domestic and European competitions during his time in the Spanish capital.
6. Conor Gallagher
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Tottenham Hotspur: 2025 | Apps: 9 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 1
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Atlético Madrid: 2024–2025 | Apps: 77 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 7
Conor Gallagher’s inclusion highlights a more recent crossover between the two sides. Known primarily for his relentless pressing, high stamina, and box-to-box midfield engine, Gallagher fits the exact physical profile demanded by high-intensity European managers.
After establishing his value in the Premier League, Gallagher embarked on a major career move to La Liga, joining Atlético Madrid. His work rate perfectly aligned with Diego Simeone’s philosophy, allowing him to become a regular fixture in the midfield. His career path also included a subsequent period back in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, making him the latest entry in the group of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid players.
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