Real Madrid host Juventus in a tantalising Champions League group stage game.
The last time the pair met was in the infamous 2017/18 quarter-final, where Real Madrid struck late to win 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a 90+8th penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Throughout the illustrious history of the two clubs, numerous players have pulled on the famous jerseys of both Real Madrid and Juventus.
Here’s how every one of those players fared at both clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the most iconic player to feature for both clubs, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid is untouchable. Across nine seasons he became Los Blancos’ all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances, lifting four Champions Leagues, two La Ligas and two Copa del Reys.
When he joined Juventus in 2018, it was seen as a new challenge for a player who had won everything. In Turin, Ronaldo delivered 101 goals in 134 matches, winning two Serie A titles and two Italian Cups. Though Juve fell short in Europe, Ronaldo’s time at Juventus can only be judged as a success.
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane can easily be classified as a legend for both clubs.
The French midfielder won the Ballon d’Or whilst at Juventus, as well as two Serie A titles.
When he moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001, he became the most expensive player courtesy of the €77.5 million transfer fee.
Whilst at Madrid, Zidane lifted the Champions League, having scored one of the most iconic goals of all time in the final.
Zidane cemented his legendary status at the Bernabéu with a legendary managerial stint that saw his side win three Champions League trophies and two La Liga championships.
Gonzalo Higuaín
Higuaín joined Real Madrid as a promising teenager from River Plate in 2007 and went on to score 121 goals in 264 games. Though often overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo, he was a consistent contributor during Madrid’s domestic dominance, winning three La Ligas.
After spells with Napoli, Higuaín joined Juventus and was consistently one of Serie A’s most lethal strikers. Between 2016 and 2020, he scored 66 goals for Juve, helping them to three league titles and a Champions League final appearance in 2017.
Dean Huijsen
The youngest player on this list by some distance.
Dutch-born defender Huijsen joined the Juventus academy as a teenager, before joining up with the reserves in 2023. His professional debut for the first team came later that year, coming off the bench against AC Milan. However, first team opportunities were limited.
Following a loan at Roma and a permanent spell at Bournemouth, Real Madrid triggered his release clause of €59.5 million. Since arriving in Spain, Huijsen has become a regular starter and is expected to face his former side.
Ángel Di María
The peak of Di María’s career came during his spell at Real Madrid. His creativity and wand of a left-foot made him indispensable, especially during the famous 2013/14 La Décima season. Upon his departure to Manchester United in 2014, the Argentine penned an open letter to the fans stating that he didn’t want to leave, but felt forced out by the board.
In 2022, Di María joined Juventus on a free transfer. His time in Turin was brief and trophyless, although his individual performances were impressive.
Fabio Cannavaro
The Italian World Cup-winning captain had a distinguished career that included stints at both clubs. At Juventus, Cannavaro was at the heart of one of Italy’s best defences, winning back-to-back Serie A titles before their revocation following the Calciopoli scandal.
He joined Real Madrid shortly after, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 2006. Though his form was not as imperious as in Italy, he played a key role in Madrid’s 2006/07 and 2007/08 La Liga titles, before rejoining Juventus.
Álvaro Morata
A Madrid academy product, Morata broke into the first team in 2010 and contributed crucial goals, including in the Champions League-winning 2013/14 season.
With playing time opportunities limited, he moved to Juventus in 2014, and it was in Turin that he made his name. Morata’s goals helped the Bianconeri to secure back-to-back domestic doubles in 2014/15 and 2015/16.
He later returned to both Madrid and Juventus in different spells.
Sami Khedira
Signed by Real Madrid in 2010, Khedira brought balance and discipline to a star-studded midfield.
He was a vital part of José Mourinho’s La Liga winning side of 2012 and lifted the Champions League in 2014 before injuries curtailed his progress.
Moving to Juventus in 2015, Khedira rediscovered his best form, winning five Serie A titles before injuries once again took their toll.
Danilo
The Brazilian full-back joined Real Madrid from Porto in 2015 with high expectations. Though he struggled to displace Dani Carvajal, he still collected two Champions League medals and one La Liga title during his stay.
At Juventus, Danilo found greater game time. Since arriving in 2019, he’s been a dependable presence, capable of playing across the defence, and was subsequently named club captain in 2023.
Emerson
The Brazilian defensive midfielder Emerson was a Serie A stalwart with Roma before moving to Juventus in 2004. Known for his strength and tactical awareness, he anchored the Juve midfield during their 2004/05 and 2005/06 title runs.
He later joined Real Madrid in 2006 under Fabio Capello. After a slow start, Emerson grew into a dependable presence in the middle of the park, helping the club to reclaim the La Liga title. Though not a flashy player, Emerson was a trusted sturdy midfielder.
Nicolas Anelka
Anelka played for twelve different clubs during his career, so it is no surprise he had brief stints with both Real Madrid and Juventus.
At Madrid he endured a rocky relationship with the club but scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals, helping Madrid lift their eighth European Cup.
He joined Juventus on loan at the tail end of his career, making only a handful of appearances before moving on.
His Juventus stint was forgettable, but his Madrid legacy remains tied to that crucial European run.
Michael Laudrup
One of the most stylish players to ever play the game, the older Laudrup won league titles with both Juventus and Real Madrid.
The Dane joined Juventus in 1985 and won Serie A in his first season, having formed a fearsome partnership with Michel Platini. However, Laudrup’s form took a nosedive and in 1989 he joined Barcelona where he returned to his place among the elite.
Having fallen out with Johan Cruyff, Laudrup made the controversial yet highly successful move to rivals Real Madrid. Whilst he was only at the club for two seasons, he was voted as the 12th best player to ever play for Madrid in a Marca poll held in 2002.
Juan Esnáider
The Argentine striker had a brief spell with Real Madrid in the early 1990s, where he showed promise but couldn’t cement a place amid fierce competition. Years later, he joined Juventus in 1999, though injuries and form saw his opportunities limited.
While he never hit the heights expected at either club, he forms part of a small group who played for two of Europe’s most prestigious teams.
Robert Jarni
The Croatian wing-back enjoyed just one season at Real Madrid where he provided attacking width and stamina but couldn’t establish himself as a regular starter. He later joined Juventus briefly, though his time in Turin was limited to just a few appearances.
Jarni’s career is more fondly remembered for his international exploits with Croatia, where his energy down the flank was key to their 1998 World Cup semi-final run.
