Not Suarez or Griezmann – Three players you probably forgot wore both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid colours | OneFootball

Football history is full of unexpected connections, and while the rivalry between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid has intensified over the past decade, a few players have represented both clubs. 

While there are names like David Villa, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann are those who have made high-profile moves between these two clubs, there are certain players who you might have forgotten about.

Some arrived with huge expectations, others slipped under the radar, but all three left their mark in different ways. 

Here are three names many fans may have forgotten who wore the shirts of both sides.

Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay scored 14 goals for Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Memphis Depay arrived at Barcelona in 2021 as a free agent from Lyon, carrying the responsibility of leading the attack during one of the club’s most difficult financial periods. 

The Dutch forward quickly became one of the few bright spots in a struggling side, showing personality, creativity and an eye for goal.

During his time at Barcelona, Depay made 42 appearances and scored 14 goals before his role gradually diminished under new management. 

With the club restructuring the squad and reducing the wage bill, he left in January 2023.

Atletico Madrid offered him a fresh start. He joined Diego Simeone’s side in January 2023, hoping to rediscover consistency and fitness. 

Depay added another attacking option to Atletico’s frontline and contributed important goals when fit. 

He left the club in the summer of 2024 after making 40 appearances and scoring 13 goals.

Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta left Barcelona in 2007. (Photo By Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Thiago Motta is often remembered for his spells at Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, but his connection with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is easy to overlook.

The Brazilian-born midfielder joined Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and eventually broke into the first team in 2001. 

He was part of the squad during the early years of the Frank Rijkaard era and contributed to the club’s revival. 

Across several injury-hit seasons, Motta made 139 appearances and scored nine goals before leaving in 2007.

Eventually, he signed for Atletico Madrid in July 2007. However, his time in the Spanish capital was short and far less successful. 

Injuries again disrupted his rhythm, and he managed only eight appearances without scoring before departing in January 2008.

Simao

Simao made his name at Benfica and Atletico Madrid. (Picture Credit: Allsport UK/ALLSPORT)

Simao Sabrosa remains one of the more interesting cases. 

The Portuguese winger joined Barcelona from Sporting CP in 1999 as a promising young talent. Expectations were high, but he struggled to establish himself in a competitive squad.

Across two seasons at Camp Nou, Simao made 70 appearances and scored four goals before leaving in 2001 in search of regular football. 

His career truly flourished later at Benfica, where he became a star.

That success eventually earned him a move to Atletico Madrid in July 2007. This time, Simao played a far more prominent role. 

He became a key figure under Diego Simeone’s predecessor and was instrumental in the club’s resurgence. 

During his time at Atletico, he made 168 appearances and scored 32 goals before leaving in December 2010.