All-Time UK and Ireland Players in Spain

Historically, it's been a rare occurrence when a British/Irish soccer player makes the move to play in Spain. To put it into perspective, there are currently 12 Spanish players at Liverpool alone (counting reserves and loaned players), compared to only 9 UK/Ireland players in all of the Spanish top flight in the last 10 years.

The only current Spanish-based player is Republic of Ireland International Steve Finnan at RCD Espanyol and it's been since the 80's since a NI, Scottish, or Welsh player has gone to the Spanish top division.

Last Player From:
England - David Beckham (Real Madrid: 2007)
Rep of Ireland - Steve Finnan (currently at RCD Espanyol)
Northern Ireland - James Hagan (Celta da Vigo: 1989)
Scotland - Ted McMinn (Sevilla: 1988)
Wales - Mark Hughes (Barcelona: 1987)


This is the All-time list of UK/Ireland players who've made at least one first division appearance in Spain.

ENGLAND -- (17)
Dalian Atkinson – Real Sociedad – 1990-91
Peter Barnes – Real Betis – 1982-83
David Beckham – Real Madrid – 2003-07
Stan Collymore – Real Oviedo – 2000-01
Laurie Cunningham – Real Madrid, Sporting de Gijón – 1979-82, 1983-84
Mark Draper – Rayo Vallecano – 1999-00
Georges Green – RCD Espanyol – 1935-36
Adrian Heath – RCD Espanyol – 1988-89
Sammy Lee – CA Osasuna – 1987-89
Gary Lineker – FC Barcelona – 1986-89
Harris Lowe – Real Sociedad – 1934-35
Steve McManaman – Real Madrid – 1999-03
Raphael Meade – Real Betis – 1987-88
Michael Owen – Real Madrid – 2004-05
Kevin Richardson – Real Sociedad – 1990-91
Vinny Samways – UD Las Palmas, Sevilla FC – 2000-03
Jonathan Woodgate – Real Madrid – 2005-06

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND -- (8)
John Aldridge – Real Sociedad – 1989-91
Liam Buckley – Racing – 1986-87
Alan Campbell – Racing – 1984-86
Steve Finnan – RCD Espanyol – 2008-Current
Ashley Grimes – CA Osasuna – 1989-90
Ian Harte – Levante UD – 2004-05, 2006-07
Kevin Moran – Sporting de Gijón – 1988-90
Michael Robinson – CA Osasuna – 1986-89

NORTHERN IRELAND -- (2)
Gerry Armstrong – RCD Mallorca – 1983-84
James Hagan – Celta de Vigo – 1987-89

SCOTLAND -- (3)
Steve Archibald – FC Barcelona – 1984-87
Ted McMinn – Sevilla FC – 1986-88
Jack Watson – Real Madrid – 1948-49

WALES -- (1)
Mark Hughes – FC Barcelona – 1986-87



Pics from DailyMail