We are set to face Barcelona in Los Angeles on July 26th, marking the end of our 2023 US Tour. The upcoming fixture brings together two clubs with a rich history and a number of players who have represented both teams throughout their careers. Here is a selection of some star-studded names who have donned the famous jerseys of both Arsenal and Barcelona.
Emmanuel Petit, the central midfielder, joined us in June 1997 from Monaco, where he had also played under Arsene Wenger. Petit played a key role in our Premier League and FA Cup double-winning team in his first season at Highbury. After making 118 appearances and scoring 11 goals for Arsenal, he moved to Barcelona in 2000. Petit spent one season at the Nou Camp before returning to London to join Chelsea.
Marc Overmars, the speedy winger, became an Arsenal player in 1997, coming from Ajax where he had won multiple titles. He played a vital role in Wenger’s double-winning team in 1997/98 and scored 40 goals in 142 matches for the Gunners. Overmars then spent four seasons with Barcelona, making 141 appearances.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a skilful midfielder who could also play at left-back, joined us from Rangers in 2001. He spent two years with Arsenal, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in his first season. Giovanni left for Barcelona in 2003 after appearing 64 times for Arsenal and scored two goals during his time with us. At Barcelona, he won the Champions League and two La Liga titles.
Aleksandr Hleb, a talented and creative midfielder, joined Arsenal in 2005 from Stuttgart. Hleb played 40 matches in his debut season, including the Champions League final. He left Arsenal in 2008 to join Barcelona, where he won the treble in his first season.
Sylvinho, the first Brazilian to play for Arsenal’s men’s first team, joined us from Corinthians in 1999. He played as a left back and was dependable in defense while also offering attacking threat. Sylvinho spent five years at Barcelona, winning three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and the Copa del Rey.
Thierry Henry arrived from Juventus in 1999, reuniting with Wenger who had coached him at Monaco. He became a bonafide Arsenal legend, scoring 228 goals in 377 appearances. Henry joined Barcelona in 2007, scoring 49 goals in 121 appearances and winning the treble in 2008/09.
Cesc Fabregas started his professional career with Arsenal, having spent six years at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He became our youngest-ever first-team player and played 303 matches for Arsenal before joining Barcelona in 2011. Fabregas won the La Liga and Copa del Rey during his time at the Nou Camp.
Alex Song joined Arsenal from Bastia as a teenager and played 204 matches for us. He joined Barcelona in 2012, winning the league title during his time there.
Thomas Vermaelen joined Arsenal in 2009 and made 110 appearances, scoring 15 goals. He joined Barcelona in 2014 and won four La Liga titles during his time there.
Alexis Sanchez joined Arsenal in 2014 from Barcelona. He scored 80 goals in 166 matches for us and won the FA Cup twice before leaving for Manchester United in 2018.
Denis Suarez, a midfielder, joined us on loan from Barcelona in January 2019.
The upcoming match against Barcelona promises to be an exciting clash between two historic clubs, with many former players set to reunite on the pitch. Tickets for the game in Los Angeles can be purchased on our website, or you can watch it live on Arsenal.com.
