Every footballer’s dream club holds a special place in their heart – a team they grew up admiring but never had the chance to represent. Football-loving fans have a favourite team, and so do the biggest stars.
Not every aspiring footballer makes it to the professional stage, and even among those who do, few ever fulfil the dream of playing for their dream club. Circumstances, timing, and career choices often shape a very different path. Only a select few are fortunate enough to represent the club their heart has always been set on – usually because they rose through its youth system.
Every footballer, retired or active, no matter how successful, carries a silent “what if” – a desire they had to play for a club they admired from afar but never got the chance to represent.
Footballers Dream Clubs: Stars Who Never Played for the Teams They Admired
Aubameyang – Real Madrid
Marseille striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, best known for his spell at Arsenal, once admitted in an interview that he had always dreamed of wearing the famous white jersey of Real Madrid. Back in his Borussia Dortmund days, the 2015 African Player of the Year told L’Équipe that if he could choose his dream move, it would be to the Santiago Bernabéu.
“My childhood dream was to play for Real Madrid.
“I promised my grandfather, who was from Avila some 110 kilometres away from Madrid, that I would play there. I realise that it will not be easy, but is always in the back of my mind.
“I watched a lot of Hugo Sanchez videos when I was still a child. The somersault I sometimes do to celebrate a goal is a homage to him.
“Playing for Real Madrid, or even another big Spanish club, would also be a great gift for my mother.”
“The only club I would leave Dortmund for are Real Madrid. If they don’t come calling, I don’t leave. Real Madrid is my main goal. I made a promise to my grandfather that I would play there one day and I work hard to reach that goal.”
Now 36, his chances of ever playing for Real Madrid appear slim, especially with the Spanish giants boasting one of the world’s best forwards in Kylian Mbappe, whose incredible goal-scoring form has sparked talk of him breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s records.
Although he might not get to play Real Madrid, Aubameyang did don the colours of their fierce rivals, Barcelona – and even scored twice against Los Blancos in their 2021/22 La Liga clash.
Lewandowski – Manchester United
One of the most sought-after strikers in Europe – Robert Lewandowski – was close to joining Manchester United in 2012 after the Polish star received a personal call from head coach Sir Alex Ferguson. The forward later revealed that he had even said “yes” to the move, but Borussia Dortmund refused to let him go.
Lewandowski went on to enjoy a prolific eight-year spell at Bayern Munich, where he scored 344 goals in 375 appearances, cementing his place as the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time.
He later described the chance to move to Old Trafford as a “dream opportunity” – a chance to play under Ferguson at Old Trafford – but admitted the transfer “wasn’t meant to be.”
TSG Hoffenheim forward Fisnik Asllani – FC Barcelona
In an interview with Sport Bild, Fisnik Asllani revealed his career goals and ambitions. The striker, who has scored five goals in seven games already this season, said playing for FC Barcelona is his ultimate goal.
“My dream club has always been FC Barcelona,” Asllani said. “I’ve always wanted to play there. I want to play in the Champions League someday. It’s important to have dreams and to work towards them.”
Still just 23, the Kosovo international could yet have the opportunity to play for one of Europe’s top clubs if he continues his impressive development and remains consistent.
Balotelli – Real Madrid
A highly controversial figure throughout his career in Europe, the Italian made headlines for his immense talent and fiery personality. Despite playing for several top clubs, Balotelli never hid his admiration for the Los Blancos, often describing them as his dream club and expressing hope of one day wearing the famous white shirt.
Now a free agent, he stated, “I still have a dream to fulfil: to play for Real Madrid,” as he sought a new opportunity after his contract with Genoa expired.
The former Liverpool striker’s time in the Premier League was filled with highs and lows. From providing the assist for Sergio Aguero’s iconic title-winning goal in 2012, to making headlines for the wrong reasons off the pitch – Balotelli’s spell in England was as chaotic as well as entertaining.
Known for his wild parties, love of nightlife, and a few run-ins with the police, the Italian’s larger-than-life personality often overshadowed his immense talent.
Robinho – Chelsea
Former Brazilian sensation Robinho dropped a bombshell when he revealed that it was his dream to play in England. The statement came amid reports that he was upset with Real Madrid for refusing to let him represent Brazil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a decision that left him deeply disappointed.
He also said he no intention of remaining with the Spanish champions and wants to join Chelsea “as soon as possible.”
“I highly respect the club [Real Madrid], the players, and especially the fans, who’ve always treated me well, but that’s not my objective. I have an offer [from Chelsea] which is good for me and the club. I dream of playing in the English league.
“Chelsea have a great squad and a great team. My objective is to play there. I’ve got nothing against Real Madrid, but I hope to resolve this situation as soon as possible.”
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Zidane – Marseille
Zinedine Zidane, who is revered in the footballing world today as an icon and legend to the younger generation of superstars, still failed to accomplish his goal of representing his hometown team.
For all the success he achieved in football – from winning the World Cup and Champions League to becoming one of the greatest playmakers in history – there was one dream he never fulfilled: playing for his boyhood club, Olympique de Marseille.
In a candid interview, Zidane once admitted how much he longed to represent the French side. He said:
“When I was younger, it was probably a dream, but it didn’t happen when it was possible. Now I’m under contract and the end of my career is nearing.”
“I supported this Marseille team like crazy. Even afterwards, when I was playing… I was with Marseille, for Marseille. And today, I want to see Marseille win!”
Robin van Persie – Barcelona
Nicknamed ‘The Flying Dutchman’ after his stunning diving header against Spain in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker was admired for his technique, elegance, and eye for goal.
Despite making a name for himself in the English Premier League, the Dutch striker once revealed that joining Barcelona would have been a dream move, admitting, “I always wanted to play for Barça…it was really a dream for me.”
And although the move never materialised, his style of play – intelligent movement, precise finishing with his left foot, and flair – would have fit perfectly into Barcelona’s famous tiki-taka system.
Messi – Newell Old Boys
Even the GOAT, Leonel Messi, despite all he has achieved, also has an unfulfilled goal. Before conquering the world, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, began his football journey in Rosario, Argentina, as a young boy in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys.
The club that propelled him into the limelight, and to this day, Messi has often spoken about his desire to return to the club and play for them. He said, “I’ve always said that someday I have to play for Newell’s, and that’s my unrealised dream,” he once confessed – a statement that still resonates with fans in Rosario who continue to hope for his return.
However, at 38, that dream now seems unlikely to come true, as Messi is entering the final stages of his career. And seeing his close friends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retiring, he might also be tempted to hang up his boots on an illustrious 21-year playing career.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Camera 4
Recording Date: 13.05.2003