Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries will soon join Real Madrid, and thus he'll be joining a rare list of footballers who played for both clubs. Over the decades, several legendary players have worn the famous black-and-blue of Inter and the all-white shirt of Real Madrid.
Here is a look at the top 10 players who played for both Inter Milan and Los Blancos.
10. Mateo Kovačić
Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić arrived at Inter Milan as one of Europe's brightest young talents. His impressive technical ability earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2015. Although he struggled for regular starts due to fierce competition in Madrid's midfield, Kovačić still won multiple major trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles.
9. Walter Samuel
Nicknamed "The Wall" for his defensive strength, Walter Samuel enjoyed a brief but memorable spell at Real Madrid before joining Inter Milan. While his time in Spain was mixed, he became a cornerstone of Inter's defense and played a crucial role in their historic treble-winning campaign under José Mourinho in 2010.
8. Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf remains one of the most decorated midfielders in football history. The Dutchman spent several successful years at Real Madrid, winning the Champions League in 1998. He later joined Inter Milan before eventually achieving even greater success with city rivals AC Milan.
7. Fabio Cannavaro
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, Fabio Cannavaro represented Inter Milan early in his career before moving elsewhere in Italy. Following his inspirational performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Italy to glory, he joined Real Madrid and won two La Liga titles.
6. Roberto Carlos
Before becoming a Real Madrid legend, Roberto Carlos spent a single season with Inter Milan. Despite showing glimpses of his immense talent, tactical disagreements led to his departure. Madrid capitalized on the opportunity, and the Brazilian went on to become one of the greatest left-backs the game has ever seen, winning four La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.
5. Achraf Hakimi
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi came through Real Madrid's academy system before establishing himself as one of the world's best attacking full-backs. After leaving Madrid, he enjoyed a sensational season with Inter Milan, helping the Nerazzurri win the Serie A title in 2020-21. His pace and attacking quality made him a fan favorite in both cities.
4. Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder joined Real Madrid in 2007 and showed flashes of brilliance in Spain. However, his greatest achievements came after moving to Inter Milan. The Dutch playmaker was instrumental in Inter's treble-winning season in 2009-10 and remains one of the club's modern legends.
3. Iván Zamorano
Chilean striker Iván Zamorano enjoyed successful spells with both clubs. He became a prolific goalscorer at Real Madrid during the 1990s, winning La Liga and claiming the Pichichi Trophy. Later, he moved to Inter Milan, where his passion and commitment earned him cult-hero status among supporters.
2. Luis Figo
One of the most gifted wingers of his generation, Luis Figo achieved success at both Real Madrid and Inter Milan. After becoming a Galáctico at Madrid, he won numerous trophies, including the Champions League and La Liga titles. He later brought leadership and experience to Inter, helping them dominate Italian football in the late 2000s.
1. Ronaldo Nazário
Topping the list is Ronaldo Nazário, arguably the greatest striker to have played for both clubs. The Brazilian phenomenon dazzled fans at Inter Milan with his incredible speed, dribbling, and finishing before injuries disrupted his career. He later joined Real Madrid as part of the famous Galácticos era, scoring goals for fun and winning major honors while cementing his status as one of football's all-time greats.
Dumfries set to Join an Elite Group
As Denzel Dumfries is set to complete his reported move to Real Madrid, his name is set to feature in a remarkable list featuring Ballon d'Or winners, World Cup champions, and club legends. From Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo to Ronaldo Nazário, the connection between Inter Milan and Real Madrid has produced some of football's most memorable stars, and Dumfries will soon become the latest chapter in that story.
