Having only met four times in European tournaments, Real Madrid and Chelsea haven't played each other in many competitive games. The two teams, however, have a long history of accomplishments and success in their respective competitions.
Among many other national and international accolades, Real Madrid has won a record 13 UEFA Champions League crowns, 34 La Liga titles, and other competitions. Over its history, they have produced a number of renowned athletes, including Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Ferenc Puskas. Chelsea, on the other hand, has won several domestic awards, including one UEFA Champions League title, eight FA Cups, and five Premier League championships. The team has also had a number of All-Stars, including John Terry, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard.
Keeping that in mind, here we take a look at 5 legends who have played for both sides:
Player | Chelsea Years | Real Madrid Years |
Michael Essien | 2005-2014 | 2012-2013 |
Claude Makelele | 2003-2008 | 2000-2003 |
Ricardo Carvalho | 2004-2010 | 2010-2013 |
Thibaut Courtois | 2011-2018 | 2018-present |
Alvaro Morata | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 |
The most well-known player to have represented both Chelsea and Real Madrid is perhaps Michael Essien. From 2005 and 2014, he spent nine years with Chelsea where he won two Premier League championships and a Champions League trophy. Essien transferred to Real Madrid in 2012–13 on loan, where he played 30 games and contributed to the team's Copa del Rey triumph. Another player who has represented both Chelsea and Real Madrid is Claude Makelele. In 2000 and 2003, while playing for Real Madrid, he captured two La Liga championships and a Champions League trophy. Afterward, in 2003, he relocated to Chelsea, where he played for five years and contributed to the club's two Premier League championships.
From 2004 and 2010, Ricardo Carvalho was a member of the Chelsea team, where he helped the club win three Premier League championships and a Champions League trophy. Later, in 2010, he moved to Real Madrid, where he played for three years and captured the La Liga championship. From 2011 and 2018, Thibaut Courtois played for Chelsea for seven seasons during which he won two Premier League championships and a League Cup victory. Afterward, in 2018, he switched to Real Madrid, where he has since become the team's starting custodian. Throughout 2016 and 2017, Alvaro Morata played for Real Madrid, winning two Champions League titles in addition to the La Liga championship. Then, in 2017, he signed with Chelsea, where he played for one season while tallying 15 goals across all competitions.
