The Top 3 players to have played for both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in history

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the two biggest clubs in the Spanish La Liga. While there is mutual respect between both clubs, there is also so much rivalry between the clubs that dates back to decades. Every match between Real Madrid and Barcelona represents an opportunity to get one over the other and the players often battle it out. This is why it is quite rare over the years to see players move from either of the clubs to the other club or play for both clubs in their playing career. Just about 30 players have ever played for both Real  Madrid and FC Barcelona. We'll profile the Top 3 players who have done it in the recent past:

Luis Figo

Portuguese Luis Figo is the most recent and perhaps the most acrimonious to have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. The former World Best player moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid in the summer of 2000 and went from being so loved at the Camp Nou to being one of the most hated figures. He won the Ballon d'Or while on the books at the Santiago Bernabeu but due largely to his efforts while still at Barcelona. Luis Figo made over 200 appearances for both Real Madrid and Barcelona winning two Spanish La Liga titles with both teams as well as the 2002 UEFA Champions League title with the Los Blancos. 

Ronaldo Nazario

Brazilian striker, Ronaldo Nazario played for both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona but did so in a fashion that pleased both club sides and he is held in high regard by both teams. Ronaldo's solitary 1996/97 season with the Blaugrana was successful with the Brazilian scoring 47 goals in 49 matches in all competitions. A contract dispute led him to leave the Camp Nou to move to Inter Milan in a second world-record transfer in just 2 years. Ronaldo Nazario moved back to Spain in 2002 to play for Real Madrid with whom he won his second Ballon d'Or title and won the La Liga along with its top-scorer award. 

Luis Enrique

Even though now more popular for his exploits as a former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique was also an extremely successful player and one of those to have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Enrique first turned out for Real Madrid, winning 3 trophies in 5 years before leaving on a free transfer in 1996. Such was the talent that Barcelona would not ignore signing him and they brought him into the team. Luis Enrique went on to win another 2 La Liga titles with Barcelona and scoring numerous times in the El Classico against Real Madrid. 

Other players who have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the past include Michael Laudrup, Samuel Eto'o, Bernd Schuster, Gheorghe Hagi, Alfredo di Stefano, Javier Saviola, Julen Lopetegui, amongst others.