Footballers who have played for both Real Betis and Sevilla FC

Throughout history, few footballers have worn the jerseys of both contenders in ELGRANDERBI. Only 11 players have played for both Real Betis and Sevilla FC, navigating a move that is notoriously difficult due to the intense rivalry that dominates the city. In fact, half of these transfers occurred during the early years of LALIGA EA SPORTS. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there were a few moves involving players who had brief spells with one or both squads.

Isco Alarcón

Francisco Alarcón 'Isco', a Spanish international, developed in the Valencia CF youth academy, where he made his professional debut. He later enjoyed a long and successful career at Málaga CF and Real Madrid before "settling" in the Andalusian capital. As a Merengue, he won 3 LALIGA EA SPORTS titles.

The Benalmádena native signed for Sevilla FC in the summer of 2022 after finishing his stint at Real Madrid; he played 12 matches before rescinding his contract in January 2023. A few months later, in the summer of 2023, he joined Real Betis under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini.

While he never played in ELGRANDERBI for the Hispalense side, he has done so as a verdiblanco.

José Mari Romero

Before Isco, the last player to defend both shirts in ELGRANDERBI was José Mari Romero. The Seville native reached professional football through Sevilla FC, making his LALIGA EA SPORTS debut in February 1996. During a difficult season for the Hispalenses, which ended in relegation, he played 21 league matches before joining Atlético de Madrid.

José Mari played for the Rojiblancos (in two spells), AC Milan, and Villarreal CF before returning to his hometown in 2007 to play for Real Betis. As a Bético, he played 25 matches over two seasons, ending his spell in January 2009, just months before the Verdiblancos were relegated to LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

José Mari played in a total of 4 editions of ELGRANDERBI—one as a Sevillista and three as a Bético—without scoring in any of them.

Diego Rodríguez

The most emblematic case of a footballer defending the colors of both Sevilla FC and Real Betis is Diego Rodríguez. The Canary Islander played 14 seasons in the Andalusian capital, split between both clubs.

After debuting with CD Tenerife, he signed for Real Betis in 1982. He spent six seasons as a Verdiblanco, playing 256 matches, 198 of which were in LALIGA EA SPORTS. In his final seasons there, he served as captain. However, in 1988, he "crossed the pond" and joined Sevilla FC, where he stayed for 8 seasons, playing 293 matches, 252 of them in LALIGA.

Diego later played for Albacete and Dos Hermanas. In his extensive career, he participated in 23 editions of ELGRANDERBI, 20 of them in LALIGA EA SPORTS. On May 7, 1989, his goal decided the ELGRANDERBI played at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Other Players

● Juan Luis Redondo: The right-back from Camas played 3 matches for Real Betis in 1997 after coming through their youth system. He later moved to Hércules CF, CD Logroñés, and Elche CF before signing for Sevilla FC in 2002. He played 70 matches as a Sevillista. He appeared in 5 ELGRANDERBI matches, all with Sevilla FC.

● José Carvajal: The Sevillian forward trained at Real Betis, playing 4 matches for the first team. In 1989, he joined Sevilla FC, where he played 126 matches until 1994. Wearing the Nervionense shirt, he played in ELGRANDERBI twice during the 1990/91 season, scoring at the Sánchez-Pizjuán (3-2).

● Enrique Mateos: The Madrid-born forward joined Sevilla FC in 1961 after 8 seasons at Real Madrid. He later alternated between Recreativo de Huelva and Real Betis from 1964 to 1966. He scored in the ELGRANDERBI on January 28, 1962, while playing for Sevilla.

● Francisco Antúnez: The Sevillian defender played for the Verdiblancos between 1941 and 1946 (84 matches) before signing for Sevilla FC. With the Nervionenses, where he stayed until 1953, he won one LALIGA EA SPORTS title and one Cup, totaling 139 appearances.

● Francisco Carmona 'Paquillo': A goalkeeper who defended the nets of both Heliópolis and Nervión. Between 1940 and 1944, he played 58 matches for Real Betis. In 1944, he signed for Sevilla FC, winning one LALIGA EA SPORTS title.

● Francisco Suárez: The goalkeeper spent 5 years at Real Betis (1935–1940). After a stint at Real Murcia, he joined Sevilla in 1942, playing 4 seasons with the club.

● Mariano Pérez Retamar: His career path was very similar to Suárez's. He was the first case of a player appearing for both teams in LALIGA EA SPORTS. He played for Real Betis in 1939/40 before joining Sevilla FC in 1941/42.

● Joaquín Jiménez Postigo: A unique case, as he won titles with both teams. He was part of the Real Betis squad that won LALIGA EA SPORTS in 1934/35. The following season, he signed for Sevilla FC, where he won the 1946 league title and two Cups (1939 and 1948).