Judas of football - between two enemies

In football, some rivalries are bigger than trophies, bigger than money, and bigger than loyalty itself. Imagine wearing the colors of your fiercest rival — the fans’ anger, the media scrutiny, the instant notoriety. Yet, throughout history, a number of players have done just that, daring to step across the divide. From El Clasico in Spain to North London derbies in England, these transfers and career choices have sparked outrage, admiration, and unforgettable stories. Here’s a look at the footballers bold enough to represent two giants.

Depravity of the football transfer policy

1. Luis Figo – Barcelona & Real Madrid

Figo’s move from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 remains the most infamous transfer in football history. For a world-record 62 million euros, he crossed one of the fiercest divides in sports. Barcelona fans felt betrayed, famously throwing a pig’s head at him during a Clasico match. At Real Madrid, Figo became a cornerstone of the Galacticos era, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, though he would forever be labeled a traitor by Barca supporters.

2. Ronaldo Nazario – Barcelona & Real Madrid

Ronaldo starred for Barcelona in 1996–97, scoring 47 goals in 49 matches. He later joined Real Madrid in 2002 as part of the Galacticos. While injuries affected his Madrid career, he remains one of the few players to succeed at both sides of El Clasico, leaving fans of both clubs in awe of his talent.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Inter Milan & AC Milan

Ibrahimovic made his name at Inter Milan, where he became one of Serie A’s brightest stars. In 2009, he moved to Barcelona, before joining AC Milan in 2010 on loan and later permanently. His arrival at AC Milan reignited the Milan derby rivalry, and Zlatan quickly became a key figure, helping the club claim league titles and cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in modern Italian football.

4. Andrea Pirlo – Inter Milan & AC Milan

Pirlo began at Inter Milan but left in search of playing time, eventually flourishing at AC Milan. At Milan, he became a midfield maestro, winning multiple Serie A titles and Champions League trophies. His career is an example of how talent can thrive despite early setbacks at a rival club.

5. Samuel Eto’o – Real Madrid & Barcelona

Eto’o began at Real Madrid but saw limited opportunities. His move to Mallorca and then Barcelona allowed him to flourish, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. Although he never transferred directly between the rivals, his career illustrates how one club can nurture a player while another helps them reach superstardom.

6. Carlos Tevez – Manchester United & Manchester City

Tevez’s 2009 switch from United to City enraged fans. He became a symbol of the newly intensified Manchester derby, helping City emerge as title contenders while United supporters never forgave him.

7. Gonzalo Higuaín – Napoli & Juventus

Higuain’s direct transfer in 2016 from Napoli to Juventus for 90 million euros caused fury among Napoli fans. Joining their fiercest rival, he became a prolific scorer for Juventus, but the betrayal remained a defining moment in Serie A history.

8. Michael Laudrup – Barcelona & Real Madrid

The Danish maestro switched from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 1994. Having been a key figure in Cruyff’s Dream Team, he caused outrage among Barca fans. Laudrup won titles with Madrid but retained respect for his elegance and technical brilliance, earning admiration on both sides.

9. Sol Campbell – Tottenham & Arsenal

There was a North London bombshell, when Campbell left Spurs on a free transfer in 2001 to join Arsenal. He immediately helped the team win Premier League titles. Tottenham fans saw him as a traitor, while Arsenal supporters celebrated his defensive dominance. The move remains one of the most controversial in English football history.

10. Michael Owen – Liverpool to Manchester United

A former Liverpool legend making the switch to Manchester United was unthinkable for many fans. Michael Owen had won the Ballon d’Or and been a talisman for the Reds, but in 2009, he joined their fierce rivals. While his prime years were behind him, the emotional impact of the move was significant. Liverpool supporters felt deeply betrayed, and his reception at Old Trafford and Anfield showcased just how personal rivalry transfers can become.

These players prove that crossing the divide between rival clubs is never simple. Whether through direct transfers or separate stages of their career, representing two giants always carries risk, fame, and controversy. For fans, these stories are unforgettable, and for the players, they become defining chapters in their legacy.