Three well-known names you may have forgotten played for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

When discussing transfers between Spanish giants, moves involving Barcelona and Real Madrid often dominate headlines due to their fierce rivalry. 

However, the relationship between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid has historically been far more cordial at an institutional level. 

This mutual respect has made player movement between the two clubs far less controversial and, at times, surprisingly frequent.

Over the years, several high-profile names have represented both sides. Players like Luis Suarez, Joao Felix, and David Villa are often the first to come to mind. 

Yet, beyond these headline-makers, there are a few lesser-remembered players who also shared this unique connection.

Here’s a closer look at three such forgotten names who quietly featured for both clubs.

Memphis Depay

Depay played for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

When Memphis Depay arrived at Barcelona in 2021, expectations were high. 

Fresh off an outstanding spell at Lyon, the Dutch forward joined on a free transfer and quickly became one of the team’s attacking focal points during a transitional period.

Depay’s time at Camp Nou lasted one and a half seasons, during which he made 42 appearances and scored 14 goals. 

Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and managerial changes limited his long-term role at the club.

In January 2023, he made the switch to Atletico Madrid in a deal reportedly worth just over €4 million. 

Interestingly, his stint with Atletico mirrored his Barcelona journey. Once again, Depay spent around one and a half seasons in Madrid before moving on, this time heading to Brazilian side Corinthians in 2024, where he continues to play.

Despite the relatively short stay, Depay’s time in Spain was not without silverware. 

He lifted both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during his spell with Barcelona, adding valuable honours to his career.

Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta spent six seasons with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Before becoming a well-known managerial figure, Thiago Motta had a solid playing career that included a significant spell at Barcelona.

Motta joined the Catalan club in 1999 at just 17 years old and steadily progressed through the ranks. 

By 2001, he had broken into the first team, making his debut in a convincing 3–0 victory against Mallorca.

Over the next six seasons, Motta became a reliable midfield presence. He made 139 appearances for Barcelona, scoring nine goals and contributing to a successful era that saw the club win two La Liga titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and a Spanish Super Cup.

In August 2007, Motta made a surprising move to Atletico Madrid, signing a one-year deal. 

However, his time in the Spanish capital never truly took off. Persistent injuries disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from establishing himself in the squad.

After just one season, he moved to Genoa, a decision that ultimately revitalised his career. 

Motta would later go on to achieve greater success with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, where he became part of some of Europe’s most dominant teams.

Luis Garcia

Luis Garcia had two stints with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Few players embody the journeyman spirit of Spanish football quite like Luis Garcia. 

Over the course of his career, Garcia represented multiple clubs, but his connection with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid stands out.

A product of Barcelona’s famed youth system, Garcia made his senior debut for the club in 1998. 

However, breaking into a star-studded squad proved challenging, leading to multiple loan spells early in his career.

In 2002, he made his first permanent move to Atletico Madrid, seeking more consistent playing time. His performances earned him a return to Barcelona just a year later.

Garcia’s second stint at Barcelona was short-lived, as he secured a move to Liverpool in 2004, where he arguably enjoyed the most memorable period of his career.

Yet his connection with Atletico was not over. In 2007, he returned to the Madrid-based club once again, spending two seasons there before eventually moving to Racing Santander in 2009.