The Top 10 Most Controversial Rival Transfers

 

Transfers between rival clubs often spark anger, resentment, and a lingering sense of betrayal. When a player crosses the opposing defense, the consequences can be immediate or even last for years, impacting the player’s career, his club relationship, and the sentiments of the fans. Here are the ten most controversial transfers in football history, moves that not only rocked the transfer market but also sparked even more controversy.

1. Luis Figo – Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)

Few transfers have sparked as much outrage as Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid. A symbol of Barcelona, his €60 million transfer was seen as a betrayal by Camp Nou fans. The fan reaction was fierce. Upon his return to Barcelona, Figo was attacked with various objects, including a severed pig’s head, making it undoubtedly the most painful betrayal in El Clásico history.

2. Sol Campbell – Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal (2001)

Campbell left Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer to join rivals Arsenal without warning. The move shocked Spurs fans and earned him the nickname “Judas” among the White Hart Lane crowd. Despite the outcry, Campbell ultimately won two Premier League titles and became a member of the “Invincibles” team.

3. Carlos Tevez – Manchester United to Manchester City (2009)

After completing his loan spell at Manchester United, Tevez moved directly to rivals Manchester City, who were on the rise after their change of ownership. City’s infamous “Welcome to Manchester” billboard only added fuel to the fire. Tevez later won the Premier League with City, undoubtedly rubbing salt in Manchester United’s wounds.

4. Ashley Cole – Arsenal to Chelsea (2006)

Cole was accused of meeting with Chelsea officials at the end of his Arsenal contract, sparking a phone-hacking scandal. His eventual move to Stamford Bridge was met with backlash. Arsenal fans nicknamed him “Cashley Cole,” accusing him of greed, while Chelsea celebrated the acquisition of one of football’s greatest left-backs.

5. Roberto Baggio – Florence to Juventus (1990)

Florence rioted following Baggio’s transfer to Juventus. Fiorentina fans viewed it as a betrayal, especially since he had become a symbol of the club. His complicated legacy was further compounded by his refusal to take a penalty against his former club and his attempt to pick up a Fiorentina scarf that had been thrown onto the pitch.

6. Michael Laudrup – Barcelona to Real Madrid (1994)

After helping Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” win multiple titles, Laudrup fell out with his manager and joined Real Madrid. The move was a shock, especially since he subsequently helped Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 5-0 in his first El Clásico for the club, ending Barcelona’s dominance.

7. Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli to Juventus (2016)

After scoring 36 league goals in one season with Napoli, Higuain’s €90 million move to Juventus was seen as a betrayal of loyalty. Napoli fans burned his jersey and hurled abuse at him throughout the city. Despite his title triumph in Turin, the transfer caused significant controversy in Naples.

8. Johan Cruyff – From Ajax to Feyenoord (1983)

Cruyff’s disagreements with Ajax management led to an unexpected move. Joining Feyenoord was unthinkable to many Ajax fans, but he silenced his critics by leading the team to a league and cup double in his sole season there.

9. Andrea Pirlo – From Inter Milan to AC Milan (2001)

After struggling at Inter Milan, Pirlo moved to AC Milan. There, he developed into one of the world’s top midfielders, winning two Champions League titles and numerous domestic honours. Inter fans can’t help but wonder what kind of transfer Barmby might have experienced had he joined.

10. Nick Barmby – Everton to Liverpool (2000)

Barmby’s move directly from Everton to Liverpool, a rare move in the Merseyside rivalry, made headlines. Everton fans were outraged, and this hostility stayed with him throughout his time at Anfield. While he ultimately failed to establish himself as a key figure for Liverpool, the transfer left a lasting mark.