The Champions League is back for the fifth gameweek. Among the most interesting of the matchups is Chelsea hosting Barcelona. Between them, they’ve won seven Champions League trophies, the most recently being Chelsea’s win in 2021. Across this illustrious history, many players have pulled on the jerseys of both Chelsea and Barcelona, with varying levels of success.
Marc Cucurella
Without a doubt, one of the best left-backs on the planet at the moment. Having started as Espanyol, Cucurella joined the Barcelona academy and played extensively for Barcelona B, but never made a first team appearance. Following a loan which was made permanent with Getafe, the Spaniard later joined Brighton before making the move to Chelsea in 2022. He’s been an instrumental figure at Stamford Bridge, and is behind only Cole Palmer and potentially Moisés Caicedo in terms of importance to Maresca.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang’s time at both clubs was short; he made 24 appearances for Barcelona and 21 for Chelsea. His goal return was significantly better in Spain, where he scored 13, compared to only being able to find the net three times in a Chelsea shirt. Now 36, he’s still plying his trade for Marseille.
Deco
Deco was an attacking midfielder who was a delight to watch, elegant in possession and tactically intelligent. The Portuguese midfielder won two Champions League trophies, one with Porto and the other Barcelona. Whilst at Chelsea, Deco won the Premier League and two FA Cups.
Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s best years came in a Barcelona shirt. Having had a brief spell at Real Madrid in his early career, it was at the Nou Camp that Eto’o firmly established himself among the greats of the 2000s. Despite being told that he wasn’t part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, Eto’o contributed 36 goals alongside Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry as part of the famous treble winning side. Following stints with Inter and Anzhi Makhachkala, Eto’o joined Chelsea on a short term deal, where he is most fondly remembered for his old-man celebration, a rebuttal to Jose Mourinho’s comments regarding his advancing age.
Cesc Fabregas
Despite a trophy cabinet that boasts a World Cup, two European Championships, two Premier League titles and a La Liga title, Cesc Fabregas never won a Champions League. He was part of the Chelsea side that won the Europa League, as well as winning the UEFA Supercup with Barcelona earlier in his career.
João Félix
Having looked so promising in his early career, it is yet to fully work out for João Félix. It was Atlético Madrid who shelled out the big bucks for him, signing Felix for €126 million back in 2019. After his relationship with Diego Simeone broke down, he moved on loan first to Chelsea and then to Barcelona. He became the first ever Chelsea player to be sent off on his debut, a less than enviable record to have.
Pedro
One of the most decorated players to represent both clubs. At Barcelona, Pedro was part of the iconic Guardiola era, scoring in the 2011 Champions League final. At Chelsea, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, often popping up with important goals when it mattered the most.
Ricardo Quaresma
Quaresma’s Barcelona spell never took off, and his Chelsea loan from Inter in 2009 was just as forgettable. A brilliant talent who produced moments of magic elsewhere, but his time in London and Catalonia was minimal.
Andreas Christensen
A polished, modern centre-back who came through Chelsea’s academy. Christensen helped the club win the Champions League in 2021 before leaving for Barcelona on a free transfer. At Barça, he has become a reliable and calm presence, often used in midfield as well as defence.
Marc Guiu
The young striker broke through with Barcelona before departing for Chelsea in 2024. Known for his physical presence and instinctive finishing, he’s seen as one for the future.
Marcos Alonso
After winning the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea, Alonso moved to Barcelona where he was a dependable squad option. His versatility at left-back and centre-back has made him useful in tight injury spells.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
A fan favourite at Chelsea who later joined Barcelona and won the Champions League in 2009. Intelligent, technically sound and tireless, Gudjohnsen was a valuable squad player during Barcelona’s transition to the Guardiola era.
Winston Bogarde
One of football’s most infamous contracts. Bogarde joined Chelsea after spells at Ajax and Barcelona, but barely played. His refusal to leave while under contract became part of Premier League folklore.
Oriol Romeu
Romeu joined Chelsea from Barcelona’s academy and showed promise before injuries stalled his progress. After a strong period at Southampton, he returned to Barcelona in 2023, providing depth in midfield.
Boudewijn Zenden
Zenden joined Chelsea after his time at Barcelona and performed well despite injury setbacks. A versatile winger capable of playing centrally, he later became a respected figure in coaching circles.
Emmanuel Petit
A World Cup winner who joined Barcelona after Arsenal’s double-winning season, Petit then moved to Chelsea where he had a more stable spell, anchoring the midfield with experience and authority.
Albert Ferrer
Ferrer was a key part of Barcelona’s ‘Dream Team’ under Johan Cruyff. He later spent five seasons at Chelsea, helping the club push into the modern Premier League era.
Juliano Belletti
A name etched into Champions League history for his 2006 final winner for Barcelona. At Chelsea, Belletti became a fan favourite thanks to his versatility and impressive long-range goals.
