Five players who played for both Galatasaray and Liverpool

Ahead of their Champions League clash, we look at five players who represented both clubs.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Galatasaray and Liverpool are set to meet in the Champions League last 16, and ahead of the match, we've remembered five players who have represented both clubs over the years. The list includes Dean Saunders, Brad Friedel, Harry Kewell, Milan Baros, and Ryan Babel - all of whom had spells at both Galatasaray and Liverpool during their careers.

Why it matters

These players provide a unique link between the two clubs, having experienced the cultures and challenges of playing for both the Turkish champions and the English giants. Their stories offer insight into the journeys of top-level footballers and the globalization of the sport.

The details

Dean Saunders was Liverpool's top scorer in the 1991-92 season but spent just one year at Anfield before moving to Aston Villa. He later joined Galatasaray, where he won the Turkish Cup. Brad Friedel had a brief spell at Galatasaray in 1995-96 before joining Liverpool a year later, though he struggled for games at Anfield. Harry Kewell signed for Liverpool in 2023 and won the Champions League, but his move to Galatasaray in 2008 drew criticism from some Leeds United fans. Milan Baros was part of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League-winning squad before joining Galatasaray, where he became the league's top scorer. Ryan Babel had a mixed four-year spell at Liverpool but later spent time with three different Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray.

  • Saunders joined Galatasaray in 1994 after one season at Liverpool.
  • Friedel played for Galatasaray in the 1995-96 season before joining Liverpool a year later.
  • Kewell signed for Liverpool in 2023 and later joined Galatasaray in 2008.
  • Baros won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 before moving to Galatasaray.
  • Babel played for Galatasaray between 2019 and 2022, after a four-year stint at Liverpool.

The players

Dean Saunders

A striker who played for both Liverpool and Galatasaray in the 1990s, winning the Turkish Cup with the latter.

Brad Friedel

An American goalkeeper who had brief spells at Galatasaray and Liverpool in the mid-1990s.

Harry Kewell

An Australian winger who won the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool, but faced criticism for later joining Galatasaray.

Milan Baros

A Czech striker who was part of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League-winning squad before joining Galatasaray, where he became the league's top scorer.

Ryan Babel

A Dutch winger who had a mixed spell at Liverpool but later played for three different Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These players' experiences highlight the global nature of modern football, with top talents moving between clubs and countries to further their careers. Their stories also reflect the intense rivalry between Galatasaray and Liverpool, two of the most successful teams in their respective leagues.