In football, the term “traitor” is often used to describe players who have made controversial moves between rival clubs, causing uproar among fans and shaking the football world. These transfers are remembered for the intense emotions they evoke, the passionate reactions from fans, and the lasting impact on the players’ legacies.
Here are the top 15 biggest traitors in football history as of 2024, showcasing the most infamous and controversial moves that have left a lasting impression on the beautiful game.
1, Luis Figo – Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 remains one of the most contentious in football history. Figo was a fan favorite at Barcelona, and his move to their arch-rivals Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of €62 million led to immense outrage among Barcelona supporters. Figo was pelted with objects and subjected to death threats during his first return to the Camp Nou.
2. Sol Campbell – Campbell’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in 2001 is still considered one of the most controversial transfers in English football. As Tottenham’s captain and a key player, his free transfer to their fierce North London rivals was seen as a major betrayal. Campbell was booed and jeered by Tottenham fans during his first return to White Hart Lane.
3. Roberto Baggio – Baggio’s transfer from Fiorentina to Juventus in 1990 caused riots in Florence. Baggio was loved by Fiorentina fans, and moving to their hated rivals Juventus was seen as a huge act of betrayal. Baggio was accused of being a “traitor” and was subjected to death threats.
4. Carlos Tevez – Tevez’s move from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009 stoked the fires of the intense Manchester rivalry. United fans felt betrayed, especially as Tevez had been a crucial player in their squad. Tevez was booed and jeered by United fans during his first return to Old Trafford.
5. Kylian Mbappé – Mbappé’s transfer from PSG to Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2023 was seen as a massive betrayal by PSG fans, who felt he had abandoned the club that developed him into a superstar.
6. Ousmane Dembélé – Dembélé’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2023 was controversial due to his poor performances over five years at Barca, leading to accusations of disloyalty and a lack of gratitude towards the club that supported him through injuries and struggles.
7. Ronaldo Nazário – The Brazilian striker played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as both Inter Milan and AC Milan. His transfers, particularly between these fierce rivals, led to feelings of betrayal among fans. Ronaldo’s moves were seen as a mercenary pursuit of trophies and wealth.
8. Neymar Jr. – Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 was a shocking move that angered Barcelona fans, who felt he had betrayed the club and his teammates.
9. Mario Götze – Götze’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich in 2013 was controversial due to his decision to join a rival club, leading to accusations of betrayal from Dortmund fans.
10. Javier Saviola – Saviola’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2007 was seen as a controversial move, as he had previously stated his loyalty to Barcelona and had been a fan favorite.
11. Michael Laudrup – The Danish playmaker transferred from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 1994. Given the intense rivalry between the two clubs, this move was seen as a significant betrayal by Barcelona supporters. Laudrup was accused of being a “traitor” and was booed by Barcelona fans during his first return to the Camp Nou.
12. Ashley Cole – Cole’s move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 caused a major stir. Arsenal fans were furious at losing one of their best players to a direct London rival, especially under controversial circumstances involving a tapping-up scandal. Cole was booed and jeered by Arsenal fans during his first return to the Emirates Stadium.
13. Fernando Torres – Torres’ transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea in January 2011 angered Liverpool fans. Torres had been a beloved figure at Anfield, and his move to a Premier League rival was seen as a significant betrayal. Torres was booed and jeered by Liverpool fans during his first return to Anfield.
14. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Ibrahimović has played for a plethora of top clubs, but his moves from Juventus to Inter Milan, and later from Inter to AC Milan, have sparked feelings of betrayal. Switching between such fierce rivals in Italy made him a controversial figure. Ibrahimović was booed and jeered by fans of all three clubs during his returns to their stadiums.
15. William Gallas – Gallas moved from Chelsea to Arsenal in a swap deal involving Ashley Cole in 2006. Later, he also played for Tottenham Hotspur, making him one of the few players to have played for all three major London clubs, a fact that did not endear him to fans of any of these teams. Gallas was booed and jeered by fans of all three clubs during his returns to their stadiums.
Notable mentions
Lukaku
