Celebrity Traitors has been taking over televisions across the United Kingdom in the last few weeks. On theme, there have been many traitors in football over the years, here are some of the main Traitors.
GOALKEEPER – Thibaut Courtois
Belgium International Thibaut Courtois starts of this list. Starting his career in his homeland at KRC Genk, the shot stopper would make the permanent move to Stamford Bridge in 2011 before joining Atletico Madrid on loan for three seasons.
After four successful seasons as Chelsea number 1, Courtois would make the move back to the Spanish capital but swapping Los Colchonores to Los Blancos, a move that wouldn’t be popular with the red side of the city.
LEFT BACK – Ashley Cole
English full-back Ashley Cole started his career at Arsenal, making 156 appearances in 7 years at the club including the famous invincible season. In a massively controversial move in 2006, Cole would move to London rivals Chelsea.
Famously, musician and Arsenal fan Lily Allen voiced her displeasure of the move by rewording her song ‘Smile’ to something which is still laughed at to this day. Cole would spend 8 years at Chelsea before moving to AS Roma in 2014.
CENTRE BACK – Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell joined Tottenham Hotspur after leaving West Ham United’s academy aged 14. Campbell would have his breakthrough in 1989, and would have a successful time at the club, captaining them in his final years.
His reputation at Tottenham would come crashing down, as a move to bitter rivals Arsenal in 2001 sparked anger at White Hart Lane, with four fans being banned due to offensive chanting towards Sol Campbell.
CENTRE BACK – William Gallas
William Gallas hasn’t only been a traitor for one London side, but two. Joining from Marseille in 2001, Gallas would arrive at Stamford Bridge for £6.2million. After 5 years at The Blues it was decided that a new challenge was needed.
This would come in the hands of Arsenal. Taking the number 10 shirt from Dennis Bergkamp. This wouldn’t be the end for Gallas in London, as a move to Tottenham Hotspur would come in 2010 ticking off all three rivals in the Capital.
RIGHT BACK – Oscar Ruggeri
Ruggeri is not someone who is known in the UK, but in one of the most high profile rivalries, Ruggeri played for both Boca Juniors and River Plate.
Playing 147 times between 1980-1985, the defender would become a popular name in the Boca Juniors back line but the move to rivals River Plate would completely change that. Making 81 appearances, Ruggeri would go on to play for Real Madrid.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Declan Rice
Declan Rice is one of the first names of the England team sheet but he was, on three occasions, on the Republic of Ireland team sheet.
Rice made three appearances for the Irish national team in friendlies against Türkiye, France and the United Staes before changing his allegiance to England. Although growing up in London, Rice qualified for Ireland due to paternal grandparents who were born in County Cork.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Frank Lampard
Now to another former West Ham United and Chelsea player Frank Lampard. The now Coventry City manager started his playing career at the Hammers, becoming a very popular youngster for fans.
This was until his move to Chelsea, now West Ham fans have a dead hatred of Frank Lampard with the Irons fans singing their song about a forklift truck not being able to carry Lampard.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Gary Gardner
Gary Gardner started his youth career at Aston Villa, spending a total of 14 years at the club. In his last year at the club Gardner made the short trip to Birmingham City.
Gardner would make the move permanent at St Andrews and would remain there between 2019-2024, being released, joining the then League One club Cambridge United, with the U’s being his last club.
WINGER – Caleb Watts
Caleb Watts would start his career in Southampton making a handful of appearances for the Saints. Watts would move permanently to Exeter City in 2023, making a big impact at the Grecians while at the club.
Last summer Watts made the 36 mile trip south to Plymouth Argyle creating fan outrage online. In the reveal video, Watts mentions how he had joined the pride and biggest club in Devon after leaving their rivals.
WINGER – Nick Barmby
In 2000 Nick Barmby left Everton to join their rivals across Stanley Park at Anfield. Despite not playing a magnitude of games for Liverpool, Barmby would be hugely popular within the Reds’ fanbase.
In his first season at the club, Barmby would win a treble of trophies, the UEFA Cup, League Cup and FA Cup.
STRIKER – Mo Johnston
The final player on this list is another between two of the most famous rivals. Mo Johnston would make 99 appearances for Celtic following his move from Watford, scoring 52 times.
After leaving Celtic for Nantes, two years later, Johnston would find himself back in Scottish football, this time playing for Rangers. The Scotsman would score 31 goals in 76 Rangers games. In a more controversial circumstance, Johnston was the first open Catholic to play for Rangers for over 50 years.
