Over the years, football has gifted us some legendary partnerships that fans will never forget—think Xavi & Iniesta or Henry & Bergkamp. Watching world-class players link up and create magic on the pitch is always a delight.
However, not all legendary duos are remembered as clearly. Some of football’s biggest names once played together in ways that have been lost to time.
Whether it lasted for a full season or just a few fleeting moments, it’s almost unbelievable that these icons shared a dressing room. But as surprising as it may seem, these ten legendary pairs were, at one point, teammates.
- Son Heung-min & Ruud van Nistelrooy (Hamburg, 2008)
Before Son Heung-min became a global superstar at Tottenham, he trained with Ruud van Nistelrooy during his early years at Hamburg. The Dutch goal machine was in the twilight of his career, while Son was just getting started. Talk about a passing of the torch!
- Zlatan Ibrahimović & Steven Pienaar (Ajax, 2001-2003)
At Ajax, a young Zlatan Ibrahimović and South African playmaker Steven Pienaar shared the pitch. While Zlatan went on to dominate Europe with his towering presence, Pienaar became a Premier League cult hero with Everton.
- Pep Guardiola & Francesco Totti (Roma, 2002-2003)
Yes, Pep Guardiola—the tactical mastermind—was once teammates with Roma legend Francesco Totti. While Pep’s playing career was winding down, Totti was in his prime, leading the Giallorossi with his signature flair and class.
- Arturo Vidal & Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen, 2009-2011)
Before dominating at Bayern Munich, Vidal and Kroos played together at Bayer Leverkusen. The German playmaker was on loan from Bayern, while Vidal was developing into the midfield warrior we later knew.
- Yaya Toure & Rivaldo (Olympiacos, 2005-2006)
Yaya Touré’s journey to stardom included a stint at Olympiacos, where he played alongside Brazilian legend Rivaldo. The Ivorian powerhouse was still finding his feet, while Rivaldo was showcasing his magic in the Greek Super League.
- Mesut Özil & Ivan Rakitić (Schalke 04, 2007-2008)
Before becoming midfield maestros at Real Madrid and Barcelona, Mesut Özil and Ivan Rakitić were teammates at Schalke. Their styles complemented each other perfectly, but both moved on to bigger challenges.
- Wilfried Zaha & Edgar Davids (Crystal Palace, 2010-2011)
Crystal Palace fans witnessed an unlikely duo when veteran Edgar Davids joined the club and played alongside a young Wilfried Zaha. The Dutch legend brought experience, while Zaha was just beginning to show his dazzling dribbling skills.
- Jamie Vardy & Harry Kane (Leicester City, 2013)
Before Harry Kane became Tottenham’s all-time top scorer, he had a short loan spell at Leicester City, where he played with Jamie Vardy. At the time, no one would have predicted that both strikers would go on to dominate the Premier League.
- Joe Cole & Eden Hazard (Lille, 2011-2012)
Joe Cole’s unexpected move to Lille allowed him to play alongside a young Eden Hazard. The Englishman later admitted that he knew Hazard was destined for greatness after seeing his talent firsthand in Ligue 1.
- David Beckham & David Moyes (Preston North End, 1995)
Before becoming a global icon, David Beckham had a brief loan spell at Preston North End, where he played under and alongside David Moyes. The future Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar was still a raw talent, while Moyes was in the final years of his playing career.
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