The rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol is once again in the spotlight as the Catalan derby takes place at the RCDE Stadium this weekend.
While emotions typically run high when the two teams meet, history shows that a handful of players have worn both jerseys while experiencing the pressure, pride and expectations that come with crossing urban divides.
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That being said, the spotlight this weekend will be firmly on Joan Garcia, who dared to swap her Espanyol jersey for a Barcelona one last summer, a move that could have repercussions this weekend.
On that note, let’s take a look at three notable players representing both teams.
Philippe Coutinho – a brief stop before the biggest stage
Coutinho spent one season at Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho first experienced Spanish top-flight football at Espanyol before becoming one of Barcelona’s most expensive signings.
In the 2011-12 season, the Brazilian joined Espanyol on loan from Inter Milan. Through this transfer, he adapted to La Liga and regained his confidence.
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He played 16 league games for Espanyol, displaying the flashes of creativity and quickness of foot that would come to define his prime years.
This brief period of time proved crucial. Coutinho’s performances attracted attention across Europe and eventually earned him a blockbuster move to Barcelona in January 2018.
At Barca, he made over 100 appearances in all competitions, winning the Scudetto and Cup, although his time at Camp Nou never quite lived up to expectations.
Still, his journey remains a rare example of a modern player representing both sides of the Catalan derby.
Jordi Cruyff – famous throughout the city
Jordi Cruyff played for Espanyol later in his career. (Image: Shaun Botterill/Allsport)
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Jordi Cruyff’s move between Barcelona and Espanyol carries a unique weight.
As the son of Johan Cruyff, his years at Barcelona were always in the spotlight.
Between 1994 and 1996, Jordi played about 54 official games for Barcelona, mainly serving as an attacking midfielder or forward.
He joined Espanyol in 2003 after several years at Manchester United and Celta Vigo.
There, Jordy found stability and continuity, becoming a key figure in his only season there.
He subsequently made 30 appearances for Espanyol, scoring 3 goals.
His transformation shows that even with deep family ties to Barcelona, career paths can take unexpected turns.
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Ivan de la Pena – from promise to icon
Ivan de la Pena initially played for La Masia. (Image source: Firo Photo/ALLSPORT)
The story of Ivan de la Pena is perhaps the most emblematic.
A product of La Masia, he was once regarded as Barcelona’s next great midfield talent.
He played around 100 games for Barcelona between 1995 and 1998, but struggled to get consistent performances and opportunities during a turbulent period for the club.
His legacy is truly established at Espanyol. De La Pena joined the team in the early 2000s and became a central figure in the team.
During his nine-season tenure, he made over 200 appearances, earning captaincy and cult hero status.
For many Espanyol fans he remains one of the best players ever to wear a Spanish shirt, a rare case of a former Barcelona player becoming a derby icon on the other side.