Danish · Frederiksberg, Denmark · Born 15 June 1964Danish playmaker who uniquely won La Liga in successive seasons with both Barcelona and Real Madrid during the 1990s — a feat no other player has managed before or since.
The only player to win La Liga with both Barcelona and Real Madrid in consecutive seasons, Michael Laudrup collected four consecutive titles under Johan Cruyff at the Nou Camp before crossing to the Bernabéu for two more — a feat of excellence so rare that his compatriots later voted him the greatest Danish footballer of the 20th century. Barcelona (1989–94) was his peak, winning 4 consecutive La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup under Johan Cruyff as part of the Dream Team. Remarkably, he then joined Barcelona's greatest rivals Real Madrid (1994–97) and won 2 more La Liga titles — making him the only player to win the title with both clubs in consecutive seasons. He earned 104 Denmark caps scoring 37 goals. His top speed of 31.3 km/h and 10.1 km per game reflected a player whose creativity lay in vision rather than pace. He scored 161 career goals and provided 267 assists in 661 appearances — one of the highest assist totals for a player of his era. He was voted the best Danish player of the 20th century. He helped Denmark win his greatest triumph — the 1992 European Championship — as a squad member. Later career spells at Vissel Kobe, Ajax and Brøndby followed. He was named in FIFA's list of the 100 greatest living players. He later managed Brøndby, Getafe, Mallorca, Swansea City and Real Betis.
Only player to win five consecutive La Liga titles with Barcelona and Real Madrid
He is the only player to have been a central figure at both Barcelona and Real Madrid during their respective dominant eras — in the same period.
Did You Know?How They Played
Elegant attacking midfielder with exceptional vision, passing ability and technical skill
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the most technically gifted players ever, revolutionized the playmaker role
Career Honours
- La Liga 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 (Barcelona), 1995, 1997 (Real Madrid)
- European Cup 1992 (Barcelona)
- Coppa Italia 1983 (Juventus)
- Danish Championship 1983 (Lyngby)
- European Cup 1992
- La Liga 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brøndby | 1982–1983 | 24 | 5 |
| Barcelona | 1989–1994 | 184 | 49 |
| Real Madrid | 1994–1996 | 46 | 9 |
| Juventus | 1983–1985 | 74 | 9 |
| Ajax | 1997–1998 | 33 | 6 |
| Vissel Kobe | 2001–2002 | 28 | 10 |
| KB | 1981–1982 | 0 | 0 |
| Lazio | 1983–1985 | 74 | 9 |
 Denmark | — | 104 | 37 |
Danish Athletes