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El Clásico, the biggest rivalry in world football, returned last weekend, with Real Madrid beating FC Barcelona 3-1 in a thrilling LaLiga encounter at the Camp Nou.
The competitiveness of these two teams, which today are two of the three LaLiga Santander teams, together with Athletic Club, which have never descended from the top flight, makes ElClásico matches exciting for both spectators and fans. players. After last Saturday’s game, Real Madrid lead by a narrow margin the head-to-head of all time in LaLiga with 74 victories ahead of Barcelona’s 72.
Africa has also contributed to this legendary soccer tournament. Let’s take a look at some of the best-known African players to appear in El Clásico.
FOUR STARS OF THE AFRICAN CLASSIC
- Samuel Eto’o | Jersey number 9
Although now retired, the iconic Cameroonian footballer was hired to play for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2009. During Samuel Eto’o’s memorable soccer career, he scored more than 56 goals for the national team, 100 goals for FC Barcelona and more than 250 in total, famous in his first appearance at ElClásico: a 3-0 victory at Camp Nou in 2004.
He wore the number 9 jersey for Cameroon, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Antalyaspor and Anzhi Makhachkala.
- Yaya Touré | Jersey number 24
Ivory Coast national and star midfielder Yaya Touré played for FC Barcelona from 2007 to 2010. He made 74 appearances during this time, helping the club win an unprecedented six major trophies in 2009. The 100 games he has won with His national team reflect his talents and explain why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the history of modern football.
He wore the jersey with the number 24 while playing for FC Barcelona, including in Barça’s unforgettable 6-2 victory at the Bernabéu in 2009.
- Mahamadou Diarra | Jersey number 6
Malian star Mahamadou Diarra played for Real Madrid from 2006 to 2011. Although his time at the club was affected by injury, Diarra was a regular player in Los Blancos midfield under the direction of several different coaches and made 128 appearances. with the club in all competitions, scoring four goals. He made four appearances in ElClásico, ending with three wins, one draw and no losses.
He wore jersey number 6 when he played for Real Madrid, AS Monaco and Vitesse Arnhem.
- Michael Essien | Jersey number 15
Michael Essien was the first Ghanaian footballer to play in El Clásico. He played for Real Madrid while on loan from Chelsea during the 2012/2013 season, playing 21 games and scoring two goals. His second goal was scored during his last game for Real Madrid and dedicated to his mentor and former Real Madrid coach, José Mourinho. The Accra native played in both LaLiga El Clásicos that season, winning one and drawing the other.
His favorite number throughout his career was five, but he wore Real Madrid’s number 15 shirt during his time in LaLiga.
