Three well-known players who have played for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent history

Crossing the Madrid divide is never simple, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are more than just neighbours. 

They represent two very different football identities, fan bases and cultures. 

Over the years, very few players have worn both shirts and managed to make an impact on either side without controversy. 

Some did it through loans, others through permanent moves, but all three names below share a rare connection with both clubs.

Now, with the two teams set to cross paths in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, here we look at three well-known players who have played for both teams in recent history

Thibaut Courtois

Courtois’ first spell in Spain was with Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois is one of the most high-profile examples of a player who has represented both Madrid giants at the highest level. 

The Belgian goalkeeper first arrived in the Spanish capital in 2011, joining Atletico Madrid on loan from Chelsea. At the time, he was seen as a promising talent rather than a finished product.

Courtois spent three seasons at Atletico Madrid between 2011 and 2014, making 154 appearances across all competitions. 

Under Diego Simeone, he became one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. His spell included winning La Liga in 2013–14, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League, and reaching the Champions League final. 

By the time he left Atletico in the summer of 2014, Courtois was already regarded as a world-class goalkeeper.

After returning to Chelsea and later winning several trophies, Courtois joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2018. His move was controversial given his strong links with Atletico. 

Since then, he has gone on to play over 300 matches for Real Madrid, becoming a key figure in multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. 

His performance in the 2022 Champions League final is often cited as one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in modern football. 

Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata’s career has been very inconsistent. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Alvaro Morata’s career between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid has been more complex, shaped by timing, form and expectations. 

Morata is a product of Real Madrid’s academy, having joined the club as a teenager. He made his first-team debut in 2010 and remained until 2014.

During his initial spell at Real Madrid, Morata played little more than 50 matches and scored important goals despite often being a rotation option. 

He left in 2014 to join Juventus, before returning to Madrid in 2016. His second spell was shorter, and he departed again in 2017, bringing his total Real Madrid appearances to just under 100 games across both stints.

Morata joined Atletico Madrid in January 2019, initially on loan before making the move permanent later that year. 

He stayed until 2020, making 61 appearances, before another move away. He returned again in 2022, and by the time he left Atletico in 2024, Morata had played over 90 matches for the club across his spells. 

Marcos Llorente

Marcos Llorente began his career with Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images )

Marcos Llorente’s journey is one of the clearest examples of how a player’s career can be transformed after crossing the divide. 

Llorente is another Real Madrid academy graduate, making his first-team debut in 2015. 

Between 2015 and 2019, he made 39 appearances for Real Madrid but struggled for regular minutes due to heavy competition in midfield.

In the summer of 2019, Real Madrid sold Llorente to Atletico Madrid, a move that surprised many. 

What followed was a complete reinvention. Under Diego Simeone, Llorente became a powerful, versatile midfielder and later an attacking weapon. 

Since joining Atletico, he has played over 250 matches, winning La Liga in the 2020–21 season and becoming one of the most important players in the squad.

Unlike his limited role at Real Madrid, Atletico gave Llorente responsibility, trust and freedom.