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Legends

AS Monaco and Barcelona: A shared history

As AS Monaco prepare to take on FC Barcelona in their return to the Champions League, we take the opportunity to look back at some of the true legends of the game who have featured for both sides in the recent past. While the Catalan side have a far more decorated past, especially in European competition, the Monégasques' famed academy has meant that some of the world-class talent it's produced has naturally made its way to one of Europe's most storied clubs -- here's a closer look at some of those players:
E. DEVIN
Published on 09/18/2024 at 19:00
3-minute read
Cesc Fabregas is one of many players to have featured for both clubs

Cesc Fabregas

There's no denying that Fabregas' global fame stems more from his play with English side Arsenal than either Monaco or Barcelona, but he also made his name as a product of the club's famed La Masia academy. Between a pair of trophy-laden spells in England, the second with Chelsea, Fabregas spent three seasons in Catalonia, winning a La Liga title and impressing with Spain as well. Following his time at Stamford Bridge, he moved to Monaco, where helped the team reach the final of the Coupe de France in 2021, before retiring after a brief spell with Italian side Como.

Eric Abidal

After a brief stint in amateur football, Abidal made his professional debut with Monaco, but he struggled to find playing time and departed to Lille, then moved to Lyon where we won three league title and made his debut for France. His strong play there caught the eye of the Catalans, and he would play six seasons at the Nou Camp, the last curtailed by a serious medical issue. Following his release, he returned to Monaco for a single season on their promotion back to Ligue 1, before ending his career at Olympiakos in Greece.

Sonny Anderson

A Brazilian international, Anderson arrived in France with Marseille, where he was an instant hit but the club suffered administrative relegation. Moving to Monaco, he continued to average more than a goal every other match, and even helped the young side to the league title in 1997. With his fine form, Barça came calling, but despite winning a pair of La Liga titles, he was not often first choice, and returned to France, where he was instrumental in helping Lyon launch their run of seven league titles.

Thierry Henry

One of the all-time iconic players for both teams, Henry burst on to the scene at Monaco as a youngster, being a part of the 1997 title-winning side and helping France to the 1998 World Cup. After an ill-fated spell at Juventus, he moved to Arsenal, where he was an influential part of Arsene Wenger's teams before a run of three seasons in Barcelona saw him win every trophy on offer.

Rafa Marquez

Arguably the greatest Mexican player of all time, Marquez joined Monaco at the tender age of 20 in 1999, helping them to a league and Coupe de la Ligue title in his time there before joining Barça in 2003. Marquez would spend seven seasons in Spain, winning four league titles and two Champions Leagues before eventually retiring in 2018.

As illustrious as this list is, there are roughly a dozen other players who have turned out for both the Blaugrana and the Principality side, including the likes of Ludovic Giuly, Emmanuel Petit, Javier Saviola, Yaya Touré and Lilian Thuram. As the two clubs clash, one has to wonder if the next star to feature for both sides is in the squad of one or the other.

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