Ten players to make a name at one club only to turn out for their arch-rivals.
As a fan it’s unspeakable. The anger felt when one player leaves a club he made his name at to join arch-rivals is virtually unforgivable. It’s often worse when the exit is direct, but that doesn’t mean it still doesn’t sting when it happens eventually. Below is a list of the ten biggest instances of players turning out for their arch-rivals over the course of their career.
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10. Sol Campbell – Tottenham and Arsenal
The former England man is still referred to as “Judas” in certain parts of North London, following his move to Arsenal back in 2001. Having made his name at White Heart Lane his career really took off at Highbury where he won a succession of titles and played a major role in their unbeaten season in 2004.
9. Carlos Tevez – Manchester United and Manchester City
Tevez spent two seasons on loan at Old Trafford where he established himself as part of an all-star attacking trio alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, when the time came to make the deal permanent, the Argentine refused and told the club he no longer wished to play for them. He then signed a five-year deal with City and helped them to their first Premier League title despite a rocky relationship with manager Roberto Mancini.
8. William Gallas – Arsenal and Tottenham
Another player to cross the North London divide, the Frenchman is perhaps not as readily disliked for his trespass as Campbell is. Having made a name for himself in England with Chelsea, Gallas went on to Arsenal for four years before seeing his top flight career run down with Spurs. Tottenham got him when he was past his best, perhaps that’s why he’s given more grace than some.
7. Peter Crouch – Southampton and Portsmouth
Crouchie spent some time with Pompey during the early part of his career, where he established himself as a potential superstar. A move to Aston Villa didn’t work out but he managed to revive his career at south coast rivals Southampton. A solitary season there saw him move on to bigger and better things, before a return to Pompey for a second spell in 2008. The lanky hit man has cut a popular figure wherever he has been, though, and has felt no ill will for his choice in clubs.
6. Emmanuel Adebayor – Arsenal and Tottenham
As if it wasn’t bad enough that he left Arsenal for rising power Manchester City and celebrating against them by sprinting the full-length of the pitch to celebrate in front of his former fans, he truly earned traitor status when he joined Spurs in 2011. Luckily for Gunners supporters, though, he hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders at White Heart Lane.
5. Johan Cruyff – Ajax and Feyenoord
The Dutch legend spent two spells with Ajax, but many forget that he drew the curtain on his career with the club’s arch-rivals Feyenoord. Angered with his treatment in Amsterdam, he signed for Feyenoord to get back at them and enjoyed a strong season that saw him lift the Dutch league title and be named as the KNVB’s player of the year in what would be his last act as a player.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Inter And AC Milan
The fiery Swede joined Inter when Juventus were relegated to Serie B in the Calciopoli scandal of 2006. His time there was a resound success and he helped the side to three consecutive league titles. He left to join Barcelona, but a season later he was back in Milan with AC, where he helped them to league and cup double. It’s his guarantee of success that means he is often pardoned for his moves, and neither side can complain about his choices.
3. Mario Balotelli – Inter and AC Milan
The controversial striker made his name at Inter in a three-year stretch between 2007-10, but his love for the other major Milan club was never a secret. A stint in Manchester ended when he finally got his hands on the famous Rossoneri jersey in 2013.
2. Luis Figo – Barcelona and Real Madrid
The Portuguese legend caused a furore in 2000 when he departed the Catalan giants for the Spanish capital. In his return to the Nou Camp with his new side he had a pig head thrown at him and was roundly booed throughout the entire 90 minutes. Having spent five-years with both clubs, he won seven trophies with each of them, making his time with the two equally as successful.
1. Ronaldo – Barcelona/Real Madrid and Inter/AC Milan
The Brazilian phenom got an early chance to impress at Barcelona at the age of 20. He scored for fun, but was quickly snapped up by Inter, where she spent an injury hit five years. He then linked up with his truest love, Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a personally and professionally successful spell. However, once the weight problems and the continuous injuries took their toll he linked up with AC Milan in 2007, though it was clear to see that his powers weren’t what they once were.
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