10 African players who have played part in El Clasico

Its another classic weekend, Barcelona and Madrid takes center stage again and all eyes will be on Camp Nou where the match will be played.

Real Madrid leads the head to head results in competitive matches with 92 wins to Barcelona’s 90, while Barcelona leads in total matches with 109 wins to Real Madrid’s 96.

The Largest victory in El Clasico remains Real Madrid 11–1 Barcelona in Copa del Rey on (19 June 1943), Lionel Messi is El Clasico top scorer with 21 goals and Francisco Gento, Manuel Sanchís Martínez and Xavi Hernández has a record appearances of 42 each.

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.

Here are sportsration.com list of African players who have participated in the battle of the classic “El Clasico”.

1. Emmanuel Amunike

The Nigerian winger played in 3 El clasico would have played more but injuries hampered his stay with the Catalan club.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Geremi Njitap

Geremi enjoyed his stay at Madrid he won 2 Champions League titles and was part of 4 El clasico games.

5. 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 club in 2002.

6. Seydou Keita

One of the most decorated African players played a record 9 El clasico games in Barcelona colours.

7. 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.

8. Emmanuel Adebayor 

Joined Madrid on loan from Manchester City, played a total of 4 El clasico games.

9. Michael Essien 

Another player who joined Real Madrid on loan this time from Chelsea, he also played in 4 El clasico games.

10. 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 games.