From Romania to Monaco, from England to Germany—these footballers didn’t just play the game; they collected leagues like stamps in a passport.
Most footballers dream of becoming a legend at one club or securing a big move to a European giant. But a rare few take a different path entirely—battling it out in all five of Europe’s top leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
Here’s a look at seven remarkable careers, starting with the man who did it first.
5. Florin Răducioiu – The Pioneer of the Five-League Feat
Răducioiu’s journey began in 1986 with Dinamo București, where he led them to a domestic double. In 1990, he moved to Italy’s Serie A, first with Bari before stints at Hellas Verona and Brescia. His performances earned him a dream move to AC Milan in 1993, where he won both the Serie A title and the Champions League.
He later joined Espanyol in Spain, before heading to the Premier League with West Ham United. In Germany, he played for VfB Stuttgart, making history by becoming the first player to score in all five of Europe’s top leagues.
4. Christian Poulsen – The Midfield Engine
Poulsen began in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04 before thriving in La Liga at Sevilla FC, winning two UEFA Cups and a Copa del Rey. He moved to the Premier League with Liverpool and completed the set with a stint at French club Evian TG.
Poulsen’s career also took him to Ajax and back home to FC Copenhagen, before retiring in 2016.
3. Stevan Jovetić – The Rollercoaster Talent
Jovetić made his mark at Partizan Belgrade before dazzling in Serie A with Fiorentina. Injuries slowed him down at Manchester City, but he went on to play for Inter Milan, Sevilla, and AS Monaco, becoming only the second player to score in all five leagues.
2. Justin Kluivert – Completing the Tour Before 25
Kluivert came through the famed Ajax academy before joining AS Roma. Loan spells at RB Leipzig, OGC Nice, and Valencia CF followed. In 2023, he signed with AFC Bournemouth, completing the five-league feat before his 25th birthday.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – The Goal Machine
Aubameyang’s career began at AC Milan (though he never played for the senior team), with early Ligue 1 spells at Dijon FCO, LOSC Lille, and AS Monaco. He hit top form at AS Saint-Étienne before becoming a superstar at Borussia Dortmund.
From there, he joined Arsenal, winning the FA Cup, then played briefly for FC Barcelona and Chelsea.
The Rarity of the European Grand Tour
Only a handful of players have managed to adapt to the vastly different styles of all five top leagues. It requires skill, adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in different football cultures.
Football is more than just goals and trophies—it’s also about the journeys and experiences along the way. Which of these careers do you find the most impressive?
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