The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid has never truly subsided. But this time, it was rekindled not with a match, but with statements… and not just any statements. 🎤🔥
It all began in an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo , where Barça’s Brazilian winger Raphinha made some particularly provocative remarks on the eve of the second match of the Club World Cup. Speaking about next season, he didn’t hesitate to position himself as Barça’s absolute leader:
With Nico Williams on the left and the total freedom I’ll have in the middle, this season will be MINE. I’ll have space, creativity, and power. And Real Madrid? Honestly… there are just a bunch of well-known names chasing the ball like lawnmowers. 🌪️
A statement that, in just a few hours, shocked the European football world. Social media exploded: some applauded Raphinha’s audacity, others considered it unjustified arrogance, or even a gratuitous attack on Xabi Alonso’s team, still in the tactical adjustment phase.
But it was the response from the Real Madrid fans that really set the social media alight. And it wasn’t Florentino Pérez or captain Nacho who responded, but rather the young Turkish prodigy Arda Güler , recently promoted to a starting position in Real Madrid’s midfield. Speaking to Marca outside training, Güler only needed six words to silence the Barça striker:
“I prefer to think than to play.” 💬
A subtle, icy, and highly symbolic response: where Raphinha uses words to build his prestige, Güler opts for restraint, class… and the pitch. The message is clear: Real Madrid will not respond to provocations with their mouths, but with the ball.
This response immediately received praise on X (formerly Twitter), with the hashtag #SixMotsPourLesFaireTaire trending in Spain and Portugal. Many fans compared it to a “psychological masterclass” à la Iniesta, but with the cool intelligence of Luka Modrić.
Does this verbal duel portend a new symbolic war between two styles? Barça, with its spectacularity and assertive individualism, versus Real Madrid, with its discipline and serenity?
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso remains silent, but is said to be “extremely proud” of his young attacking midfielder’s performance, according to a source close to the Madrid dressing room. The coach is even considering giving Güler the vice-captain’s armband for the next match against Pachuca, a sign of the immense confidence he has in his precocious maturity.
👉 El Clásico isn’t just played on the field; it’s also experienced with words. And this time, it was Güler’s six words that secured victory in the first round.
To be continued… 🕊️⚽
