Players You Never Knew Were Once Teammates

There are quite a few pairs of players that might shock you to know were once teammates. Although some are retired, on the verge of retirement, and some are still in their prime, you may be left wondering how their paths crossed.

Francesco Totti and Pep Guardiola

The Italian and Roma’s legend Totti once played alongside current Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola at AS Roma. However, their time together was a short one as Pep stayed at Roma for only 198 days. On joining the club in 2002, he was interviewed on what shirt number he would like to wear, and he jokingly replied saying “I would love to wear Totti’s no 10 shirt but I know they won’t give me.” Pep made just six appearances for AS Roma during his stay.

Kurt Zouma and Pierre Emeric Aubameyang

Both players now play in rival teams in London, England, with the French defender Kurt Zojma playing for Chelsea and the Gabonese captain Aubameyang leading Arsenal’s attack. Both players enjoyed a few years together in the French club St Ettiene. Aubameyang joined St Ettiene in December 2011, and Zouma was promoted to the first team the same year. They both played together until 2013.

Manuel Neuer and Ivan Rakitic

Neuer, a one-time World Cup winner and last World Cup runner up Rakitic, enjoyed a successful spell at German side Schalke 04 between 2008 and 2011. Ivan made 135 appearances, providing 16 assists in those four years before moving to the Spanish side Sevilla. Neuer had 203 appearances and was captain before leaving in 2011. They both lifted the DFB Pokal trophy in their final season.

Gérard Pique and Christiano Ronaldo

Pique happens to be one of the few players who have played alongside Messi and Ronaldo in their careers. Although Pique’s was not well known to have played at United, he cherishes his time at the club. Pique and Ronaldo joined United in 2004, and Pique returned to his boyhood club Barcelona in 2008. Ronaldo went on to join Barcelona’s rival Real Madrid in 2009. The duo lifted the Community shield trophy in 2007, The Premier League trophy and the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2008.