Scoring a goal is always a great feeling, but doing it against a former team? That’s a whole different vibe. For a lot of football players, playing against their old clubs mean more than just another game; they bring back memories of friendships, fans, and sometimes tough breakups. Whether the celebrations are low-key or over-the-top, these moments have added a lot to modern football stories.
In this article, we’ll look at the Top 11 football players who found the net against their old teams, sharing the goals, what was on the line, how they celebrated, and the feelings that followed. In addition to this, also check out our list of 21 football players who became the most decorated in history.
Top 11 Football Players Who Scored Against Former Teams
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Cesc Fàbregas
3. Zlatan Ibrahimović
4. Luis Suárez
5. Robin van Persie
6. Samuel Eto’o
7. Emmanuel Adebayor
8. Mohamed Salah
9. Ángel Di María
10. Frank Lampard
11. Carlos Tevez
11. Carlos Tevez – Juventus vs Manchester United (2013)
Carlos Tevez played for both Manchester teams before moving to Juventus. When he played against Manchester United in the Champions League, fans were really looking forward to it. Tevez scored and celebrated like he always does.
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For United fans, it was a tough moment, especially with his history at City. That goal was super important in the match, and Tevez always seemed to shine when the pressure was on, no matter who he was up against.
10. Frank Lampard – Manchester City vs Chelsea (2014)
Frank Lampard’s goal against Chelsea in 2014 is definitely one of the most touching moments on this list. He’s a club legend, having scored over 200 goals for Chelsea, but he moved to Manchester City later in his career. During a Premier League match, he came off the bench and scored to level the game.
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He didn’t celebrate at all; he seemed to want to hide. The Chelsea fans clapped for him, but a lot of them were really upset. Lampard himself said it was one of the weirdest times in his life. It just shows how football can go beyond the game and hit you right in the feels.
9. Ángel Di María – PSG vs Real Madrid (2019)
Ángel Di María was a big part of Real Madrid‘s La Décima win in 2014, but his time there ended on a sour note. When he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, he still felt the sting of that exit. In 2019, he scored twice against Real Madrid in a Champions League match and celebrated passionately, showing off his PSG badge and getting the crowd pumped.
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This didn’t sit well with Madrid fans, who felt let down. But for Di María, it was simple, he had nothing to prove to a club that had let him go. That night, he reminded everyone that he was still one of the top football players in Europe.
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8. Mohamed Salah – Roma vs Chelsea (2017)
Before hitting it big at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah had a short and quiet spell at Chelsea. He didn’t get to play much, which pushed him to restart his career in Serie A with AS Roma. When he scored against Chelsea in a Champions League match, he didn’t go crazy with celebration, but it was a special moment.
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It showed how far he had come and was a reminder of what Chelsea let slip away. Fans and commentators recognized that Salah turned things around. Once seen as an extra player at Stamford Bridge, he turned into one of the top football players in Europe.
7. Emmanuel Adebayor – Manchester City vs Arsenal (2009)
You can’t talk about memorable moments without mentioning Emmanuel Adebayor’s wild celebration after he scored for Manchester City against Arsenal. The game was already tense, and when he headed in a goal, the reaction was unforgettable. Adebayor took off running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans, sliding on his knees with his arms wide open.
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This sparked a lot of anger from fans, who started throwing things and booing. For Arsenal supporters, it felt like a huge betrayal. For Adebayor, it was a way to let out all the frustration he’d felt from his time at the club. It’s still one of the most talked-about celebrations in Premier League history.
6. Samuel Eto’o – Inter Milan vs Barcelona (2009)
Samuel Eto’o was a big deal on Barcelona‘s 2009 treble-winning team. That summer, he was traded to Inter Milan in exchange for Zlatan Ibrahimović. When he faced his former team in the 2010 Champions League semi-finals, he didn’t score, but he played a crucial role. Earlier in the group stages, he had found the net against Barcelona and showed no shame in celebrating.
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He felt it was personal; he had been let go despite all he had done for the team. Many Barcelona fans were shocked, feeling like he had been betrayed. But Eto’o was out to prove himself, and he did just that, helping Inter lift the Champions League trophy.
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5. Robin van Persie – Manchester United vs Arsenal (2012)
Robin van Persie played for Arsenal for eight years and became a key player for the team. His move to Manchester United in 2012 upset a lot of Arsenal fans. When he played against Arsenal for the first time at Old Trafford, he scored pretty quickly. He didn’t celebrate much, but Arsenal fans booed him loudly.
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His goal helped United win 2-1, getting them closer to winning the league. That goal meant a lot, and Arsenal fans felt like he had betrayed them, while for Van Persie, it was a sign that he made the right choice.
4. Luis Suárez – Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona (2021)
When Luis Suárez left Barcelona in 2020, things weren’t great. Even though he had a successful run with the team, he found out he was no longer needed during a phone call. A year later, while playing for Atlético Madrid, he got the chance to face his old team. He scored a goal and made a sly phone gesture during his celebration, which was a clear shot at Ronald Koeman, the coach who let him go.
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It was classic Suárez, both cheeky and bold. That goal was important, helping Atlético Madrid win the title that season. For many, it felt like justice served; a top player showed the door too early, showing everyone what he could do when it mattered most. He’s now remembered as one of the most prolific scorers against former clubs.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimović – AC Milan vs Inter Milan (2012)
Zlatan Ibrahimović doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, and when he scored against Inter Milan after joining AC Milan, he made it count. Playing for both Milan teams, that derby goal was a big deal. Zlatan celebrated like he meant it, arms open, eyes fierce, almost challenging Inter fans to boo him more.
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That goal wasn’t just any score; it was a statement. After being let go by Inter, he wanted them to feel it. Plus, with titles on the line, that goal took on even more importance. Milan won the game and took a giant step toward Serie A glory, all thanks to one of the most theatrical football players of his generation.
2. Cesc Fàbregas – Barcelona vs Arsenal (2011)
Cesc Fàbregas became an amazing midfielder at Arsenal, even captaining the team and winning over the fans. When he came back to play against his old club in a Champions League match with Barcelona, you could feel the emotions in the air. He didn’t score that night, but he had netted a goal earlier in a pre-season friendly against them. The fans had mixed feelings and they were glad to see him but upset he left.
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Cesc chose not to celebrate, showing respect for the club that kickstarted his career. These moments often split football players between their current obligations and past loyalties. Fabregas balanced it gracefully, and his actions were appreciated by fans on both sides.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United vs Real Madrid (2013)
Cristiano Ronaldo came back to Old Trafford in 2013 for a UEFA Champions League match that everyone in football was buzzing about. After having a great six years at Manchester United, he left for Real Madrid in 2009 for a huge transfer fee. In the second leg at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored the key goal that helped Madrid advance. What did he do to celebrate? Not much.
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He didn’t raise his arms or smile, just gave a respectful nod to the fans who used to cheer for him every week. The football players on the pitch knew what was at stake, and this was not just a knockout game; it was an emotional return. United fans gave him a warm reception, even applauding his goal. It was a rare sight in modern football: rivalry overshadowed by respect.
Final Thoughts
Scoring against a former club brings a mix of triumph and tension. These football players didn’t just score goals; they made statements. From simple hand raises to wild celebrations, the way fans react has become part of football history.
Even if some fans feel let down, these goals often represent growth, redemption, or standing up against the odds. That’s what makes football so special: it’s not just about scoring; it’s about the stories that come with it. For more intriguing stats, check out this list of the most prolific scorers against their former club.
People Also Ask About Football Players Who Scored Against Former Teams
Which team has Salah scored the most goals against?
It’s no surprise that Salah has scored the most goals against Manchester United while playing for Liverpool. He’s netted 16 times against their big rivals, which is three more than he has against any other team. For comparison, he’s scored 13 goals each against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham.
What team did Ronaldo score the most goals against?
Ronaldo really likes facing Luxembourg, scoring 11 goals in just 11 matches against them. He’s also netted seven goals against Lithuania in only three games and seven against Sweden in seven matches. Overall, he’s scored against 48 different international teams.
Who scored the most goals against one club?
Alan Shearer holds the record for the most goals scored by a player against a single club in the Premier League, with 20 goals against Leeds United.
Who has scored the most goals against the top six clubs?
Alan Shearer scored the most goals in Premier League history against Big Six teams, with a total of 56.
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