Real Madrid and AS Roma are more commonly connected by memorable Champions League nights than by a busy transfer route.
The complete list of players who played for both Real Madrid and AS Roma contains 14 names. Some made a major contribution to each side, most notably Christian Panucci. Others enjoyed a long career with one club but appeared only briefly for the other, as happened with Ivan Helguera and Diego Llorente.
The more recent links are found in defence. Antonio Rudiger used his two seasons in Rome as a platform for the rest of his career, while Dean Huijsen’s short AS Roma loan helped introduce him to senior European football before his eventual move to Madrid.
With the latest Real Madrid vs AS Roma fixture taking place in the 2026/27 Champions League, here is the full list of male footballers who made at least one senior first-team appearance for both clubs. Academy and reserve-team records are not counted unless the player also appeared for the senior side.
Last updated: 14 October 2026.
1. Christian Panucci
- Real Madrid: 1996-1999 (Apps: 96 | Goals: 6), AS Roma: 2001-2009 (Apps: 315 | Goals: 31)
Christian Panucci has the strongest claim to being the most successful shared player in Real Madrid and AS Roma history.
Fabio Capello brought the Italian defender to Madrid in 1996. Panucci won La Liga during his first season and started the 1998 Champions League final, when Real defeated Juventus to lift the European Cup for the first time in 32 years.
His AS Roma career was even longer. Panucci spent eight seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, operating mainly at right-back while also covering central defence. His ability in the air helped him score an impressive 31 goals for the club.
He made more than 300 AS Roma appearances and won the Coppa Italia in consecutive seasons. Unlike several names on this list, Panucci is remembered as an important player by supporters of both clubs.
2. Antonio Rudiger
- Real Madrid: 2022-present (Apps: 186 | Goals: 9), AS Roma: 2015-2017 (Apps: 72 | Goals: 2)
Antonio Rudiger arrived at AS Roma from Stuttgart following an injury-affected period in Germany. His pace, physical strength and aggressive approach quickly made him suitable for Serie A.
AS Roma initially signed Rudiger on loan before making the transfer permanent. Although he still had occasional lapses in possession, his two seasons in Italy established him as a defender capable of playing at Champions League level.
After continuing his development and winning Europe’s leading competition with Chelsea, Rudiger joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022. He became a central figure in Madrid’s defence and often received responsibility for marking the opposition’s most dangerous forward.
His development from an inconsistent young defender at AS Roma into a Champions League winner makes him one of the most recognisable modern links between the clubs.
3. Antonio Cassano
- Real Madrid: 2006-2008 (Apps: 29 | Goals: 4), AS Roma: 2001-2006 (Apps: 161 | Goals: 52)
Antonio Cassano produced some of the best football of his career at AS Roma. His technique, imagination and ability to combine with Francesco Totti made him one of Italy’s most exciting young attackers.
His AS Roma career also brought regular controversy. Disagreements with coaches and officials became almost as prominent as his performances, while a contract dispute eventually contributed to his departure.
Real Madrid signed Cassano in January 2006, hoping that a change of environment would help him fulfil his potential. Instead, fitness problems and another difficult relationship with Capello limited his opportunities.
Cassano was part of the squad that won La Liga in 2006/07, but he played only a minor role. His career remains an example of a player who looked capable of becoming a superstar in Rome but never came close to reaching the same level in Madrid.
4. Walter Samuel
- Real Madrid: 2004-2005 (Apps: 40 | Goals: 2), AS Roma: 2000-2004 (Apps: 173 | Goals: 12)
Walter Samuel was known as The Wall during a commanding spell in AS Roma’s defence.
The Argentine joined from Boca Juniors in 2000 and immediately helped AS Roma win the Serie A title. His strength, positioning and willingness to defend physically made him an ideal centre-back for Italian football.
Real Madrid paid a substantial fee for Samuel in 2004, hoping he could strengthen a defence overshadowed by the club’s collection of attacking stars. The transfer did not work as planned.
Madrid finished the season without a major trophy, and Samuel returned to Serie A with Inter after only one year. He later rebuilt his reputation in Milan and became part of Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning team.
5. Emerson
- Real Madrid: 2006-2007 (Apps: 34 | Goals: 1), AS Roma: 2000-2004 (Apps: 145 | Goals: 21)
Emerson joined AS Roma during the summer in which the club assembled its title-winning squad. A serious knee injury delayed his debut, but the Brazilian returned during the campaign and contributed to the 2000/01 Scudetto.
He became an important presence in midfield through his defensive work, positioning and ability to carry possession forward. Emerson later followed Capello to Juventus before reuniting with the coach at Real Madrid in 2006.
His spell in Spain lasted only one season. Emerson was not always popular with Madrid supporters, but he started regularly as the team recovered from a difficult position to win the 2006/07 La Liga title.
He left for AC Milan shortly afterwards, having won a league championship during his time at both AS Roma and Real Madrid.
6. Ivan Helguera
- Real Madrid: 1999-2007 (Apps: 346 | Goals: 33), AS Roma: 1997-1998 (Apps: 10 | Goals: 0)
Ivan Helguera’s AS Roma career is one of the easiest details on this list to forget.
He joined the Italian club after impressing with Albacete but struggled for opportunities and returned to Spain after only one season. His career changed completely after he signed for Real Madrid in 1999.
Helguera made 346 appearances and could operate in central defence or defensive midfield. He won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during an era featuring Raul, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
He was rarely the biggest name in those teams, but his tactical discipline and versatility provided balance behind Madrid’s attacking stars.
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7. Fernando Gago
- Real Madrid: 2007-2012 (Apps: 121 | Goals: 1), AS Roma: 2011-2012, loan (Apps: 32 | Goals: 1)
Real Madrid signed Fernando Gago from Boca Juniors when he was considered one of Argentina’s most promising midfielders.
Gago was comfortable receiving possession from the defence and helped Madrid win consecutive La Liga titles. However, injuries and growing competition in midfield prevented him from becoming a permanent first choice.
He joined AS Roma on loan for the 2011/12 season and played regularly under Luis Enrique. The Italian club had an option to keep him, but the deal was not made permanent.
Gago returned to Madrid before leaving for Valencia. His season in Rome was respectable without being memorable enough to change the direction of his European career.
8. Dean Huijsen
- Real Madrid: 2025-present (Apps: 52 | Goals: 2), AS Roma: 2024, loan (Apps: 14 | Goals: 2)
Dean Huijsen spent only half a season at AS Roma, but the loan gave him his first extended opportunity in senior football.
The Juventus defender was still a teenager when AS Roma signed him in January 2024. He displayed confidence in possession and scored twice, although his inexperience was occasionally visible when defending against experienced Serie A forwards.
Huijsen later established himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth. His performances in England earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2025 and made him one of the most valuable young centre-backs in Europe.
Unlike the retired players featured above, Huijsen’s Real Madrid story is still developing. His inclusion gives the historical list of footballers who played for Real Madrid and AS Roma a clear modern connection.
Other Players Who Represented Real Madrid and AS Roma
Six other players made senior appearances for both teams. Some spent several productive seasons at each club, while others were only briefly involved with one of the two sides.
Luis del Sol
- Real Madrid: 1960-1962 (Apps: 96 | Goals: 32)
- AS Roma: 1970-1972 (Apps: 60 | Goals: 4)
Luis del Sol won the European Cup and two La Liga titles during his time in Madrid. After a successful period with Juventus, the Spanish midfielder ended his playing career at AS Roma.
Julio Baptista
- Real Madrid: 2005-2008 (Apps: 78 | Goals: 13)
- AS Roma: 2008-2011 (Apps: 77 | Goals: 15)
Julio Baptista scored regularly for both clubs without becoming a permanent first choice at either. His physical style earned him the nickname The Beast, but competition for attacking places restricted his opportunities in Madrid and Rome.
Cicinho
- Real Madrid: 2005-2007 (Apps: 32 | Goals: 3)
- AS Roma: 2007-2012 (Apps: 91 | Goals: 3)
Cicinho joined Real Madrid as one of Brazil’s most highly rated attacking full-backs. He later spent five seasons with AS Roma, although serious injuries prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent starter.
Gabriel Heinze
- Real Madrid: 2007-2009 (Apps: 60 | Goals: 3)
- AS Roma: 2011-2012 (Apps: 32 | Goals: 0)
Gabriel Heinze won La Liga during his first season with Real Madrid. The Argentine defender later joined AS Roma for the final year of his European career and worked under Luis Enrique.
Diego Llorente
- Real Madrid: 2013-2015 (Apps: 3 | Goals: 0)
- AS Roma: 2023-2024 (Apps: 53 | Goals: 1)
Diego Llorente developed in Real Madrid’s academy but made only three senior appearances before continuing his career elsewhere. He received considerably more playing time during his loan spell with AS Roma.
Borja Mayoral
- Real Madrid: 2015-2022 (Apps: 33 | Goals: 7)
- AS Roma: 2020-2022 (Apps: 56 | Goals: 18)
Borja Mayoral struggled to secure a permanent place in Real Madrid’s attack. His loan at AS Roma was more productive, particularly during his first season, and he finished with 18 goals in 56 appearances.
FAQ: Players Who Played for Both Real Madrid and AS Roma
Q: How many players have played for both Real Madrid and AS Roma?
A: Fourteen male footballers have made senior first-team appearances for both clubs. Christian Panucci played the most matches across the two teams, while Dean Huijsen is the most recent addition to the list.
Q: Did Francesco Totti ever play for Real Madrid?
A: No. Real Madrid were interested in signing Totti, and the AS Roma captain seriously considered the possibility. He ultimately rejected the move and spent his entire senior career in Rome.%0LS
