Its another classic weekend, Barcelona and Real Madrid takes center stage again and all eyes will be on Camp Nou where the match will be played.
Top ten African players who featured in El Clasico
As we look forward to this weekend’s encounter we wouldn’t be seeing any African player in action in this El Clasico, but many have participated in tie and scoring in the process.
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Real Madrid leads the head to head results in competitive matches with 93 wins to Barcelona’s 90, while Barcelona leads in total matches with 109 wins to Real Madrid’s 97.
1. Samuel Eto
Played a game in Madrid’s colour before joining RCD Mallorca where he established himself as a cult hero in his 4- year stay at the club, he became the clubs all time top scorer before moving to Barcelona for £18.14m in 2004. He played a total of 8 games and scored 4 goals past his former teammate Iker Casillas.
2. Seydou Keita
One of the most decorated African players played a record 9 El clasico games in Barcelona colours.
3. Yaya Toure
Often rotated between central defence and midfielder, the Ivorian midfielder played a total of 5 El clasico games before leaving the club for Manchester City.
4. Michael Essien
The Ghanaian powerhouse was brought to the Bernabeu by his mentor ‘Daddy’ Jose Mourinho on loan last season.
Unfortunately, as has been the default line for the player over the last few years, injuries prevented him from realising his potential with Los Blancos.
Essien also played in 4 El clasico games.
5. Emmanuel Adebayor
Adebayor also oined Madrid on loan from Manchester City, played a total of 4 El clasico games.
6. Geremi Njitap
Geremi enjoyed his stay at Madrid he won 2 Champions League titles and was part of 4 El clasico games.
7. Mahamadou Diarra
Mahamadou is one of the 2 Malians who have played a part in the El clasico. He played a total of 4 El clasico games in Madrid’s colour.
8. Emmanuel Amunike
Having earned his spurs at Julius Berger and Cairene side Zamalek, Emmanuel Amuneke moved to Europe with Sporting Clube de Portugal.
After a handful of magic seasons at the capital club, the winger switched to Barcelona for £2.3million. In making this transfer he followed in the footsteps of Luis Figo who moved across Iberia some years earlier, albeit for a smaller fee.
The Nigerian winger played in 3 El clasico would have played more but injuries hampered his stay with the Catalan club.
9. Alex Song
Joined Barcelona from Arsenal had lot of expections but couldn’t force Sergio Busquets out of the starting line up. Often rotated in the central back and midfield like Yaya Toure before him. He was able to play in 3 El clasico game.
10. Gbenga Okunowo
The Nigerian defender who joined FC Barcelona at the age of 18 in the 1998–99 season played 1 El Clasico game before leaving the Catalan club in 2002.
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