Three famous names who played for both Barcelona and Espanyol | OneFootball

With the Catalan derby set to light up the weekend at the RCDE Stadium, the rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol once again takes centre stage. 

While emotions usually run high when these two sides meet, history shows that a handful of players have worn both shirts, while going through the pressure, pride and expectations that come with crossing the city divide. 

That being said, the spotlight this weekend will firmly fall on a certain Joan Garcia, who dared to swap Espanyol’s shirt for Barcelona’s last summer, a move that could have repercussions this weekend.

On that note, let’s take a look at three well-known players who have represented both teams.

Philippe Coutinho – A brief stop before the biggest stage

Coutinho spent one season with Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Before becoming one of Barcelona’s most expensive signings, Philippe Coutinho first experienced top-level Spanish football at Espanyol. 

The Brazilian joined Espanyol on loan during the 2011–12 season from Inter, using the move to adapt to La Liga and rediscover his confidence. 

He played 16 league matches for Espanyol, showing flashes of the creativity and quick feet that would later define his peak years.

That short spell proved crucial. Coutinho’s performances caught the eye across Europe and eventually earned him a blockbuster move to Barcelona in January 2018. 

At Barça, he featured in over 100 matches across all competitions, winning league titles and cups, even if his time at Camp Nou never fully lived up to expectations. 

Still, his journey remains a rare modern example of a player representing both sides of the Catalan derby.

Jordi Cruyff – Carrying a famous name across the city

Jordi Cruyff was at Espanyol during the latter stage of his career. (Picture credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport)

Jordi Cruyff’s move between Barcelona and Espanyol came with a unique weight. 

As the son of Johan Cruyff, his years at Barcelona were always under the spotlight. 

Jordi played around 54 official matches for Barcelona between 1994 and 1996, operating mainly as an attacking midfielder or forward.

After several years at Manchester United and then Celta Vigo, he joined Espanyol in 2003. 

There, Jordi found stability and continuity, becoming a key figure in the only season he was there. 

He went on to make 30 appearances for Espanyol, scoring three goals. 

His switch showed that, even with deep family ties to Barcelona, professional paths can take unexpected turns.

Ivan de la Pena – From promise to icon

Ivan de la Pena started at La Masia. (Picture credit: Firo Photo/ALLSPORT)

Ivan de la Pena’s story is perhaps the most symbolic. 

A product of La Masia, he was once seen as Barcelona’s next great midfield talent. 

Between 1995 and 1998, he played around 100 matches for Barcelona, but consistency and opportunities were hard to come by during a turbulent era at the club.

His legacy was truly built at Espanyol. Joining them in the early 2000s, De la Pena became the heartbeat of the team. 

During his tenure that lasted for nine seasons, he made over 200 appearances, earning captaincy and cult-hero status. 

For many Espanyol fans, he remains one of the finest players ever to wear their shirt, a rare case where a former Barcelona man became a derby icon on the other side.