Football fans love stories of players who leave their mark at more than one elite club. When we discuss Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, two giants from La Liga and the Bundesliga, respectively, the crossover becomes even more intriguing.
These superstars and seasoned pros lived it, donning the iconic white of Madrid and the striking black and yellow of Dortmund. Let’s take a look at the top five players who’ve worn both jerseys and made history along the way.
1. Jude Bellingham – Midfield Maestro Turned Superstar
Jude Bellingham’s rise is modern football poetry. After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Dortmund, he became the heartbeat of the team, excelling in both attack and midfield and helping Dortmund secure a DFB-Pokal title. In 2023, Real Madrid came calling, and Bellingham answered with flair, becoming one of La Liga’s most exciting midfield talents and lifting major silverware with the Spanish giants. His blend of energy, vision, and leadership has defined his journey at both clubs.
2. Achraf Hakimi – From Madrid Academy to Dortmund Breakthrough
Achraf Hakimi’s story is a classic case of talent thriving with opportunity. Trained in Real Madrid’s youth ranks, he struggled for consistent minutes at the Bernabéu but flourished after joining Dortmund on loan. In Germany, Hakimi became one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic full-backs, equally adept at attack and defense, contributing goals, assists, and consistent performances before moving on to further success in Europe.
3. Nuri Şahin – Dortmund Prodigy to Madrid and Back
Nuri Şahin’s career path saw him catapult from Dortmund’s academy to becoming their youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant. After shining in Germany, Real Madrid snapped him up in 2011. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his spell in Spain, but he eventually returned to Dortmund, where he enjoyed further success and became a key part of their midfield across spells. Today, he even contributes off the pitch in coaching roles, symbolizing his deep BVB connection.
Read More
Also Read: Top 4 Footballers With the Most Career Goals
4. Flávio Conceição – Brazilian Midfield Engine
Flávio Conceição might not be a household name like others on this list, but his journey is fascinating. After impressing in Spain with Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles and a Champions League, he spent a season on loan at Dortmund. Though his time in Germany was brief and less celebrated, it earned him a spot among players who have represented both clubs.
5. Christoph Metzelder – Solid Defender Across Borders
Before the global superstars took over, Christoph Metzelder was one of the key German defenders of his generation. He enjoyed a significant spell with Dortmund, anchoring their backline, before switching to Real Madrid in the mid-2000s. Though injuries limited his impact in Spain, his presence in both squads adds historic depth to this list of dual-club players.
