Is El Clasico still the biggest game in the world?
According to Vnexpress.
Context
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, symbolized by El Clasico, is one of the pillars of football in La Liga. With Messi's departure, Barcelona face the challenge of maintaining their relevance, while Real Madrid are also looking for new stars to fill the void left by Ronaldo. The evolution of players like Lamine Yamal could be crucial for the future of the competition.
Why this matters
El Clasico, one of the biggest events in world football, has always been marked by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. With the departure of both, the attractiveness of the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid is now questioned, especially in a scenario where the Premier League is gaining more and more prominence. The relevance of this classic could impact the global perception of La Liga and the competitiveness between European leagues.
Main conclusions
- Is El Clasico still the biggest game in the world?.
- The article examines the relevance of El Clasico in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era, analyzing its attractiveness in comparison to the dominance of the Premier League and highlighting the clash between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.
- El Clasico có còn là trận đấu lớn nhất thế giới?.
For the past ten years, the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, known as El Clasico, has not only been a clash between two of the world's most prestigious clubs, but also the climax of a rivalry between two of football's biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The rivalry between the two was not just limited to individual titles and awards, but also became a global phenomenon, attracting millions of spectators to each confrontation.
However, with Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018 and Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021, the attractiveness of El Clasico began to be questioned. A recent article by journalist Graham Ruthven, published in The Guardian, highlights whether El Clasico still maintains its status as the biggest game in world football, especially in light of the growing popularity of the Premier League.
The next meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, scheduled for October 25th at Camp Nou, promises to attract hundreds of millions of fans around the world. However, their relevance is no longer as clear as it was during the Messi and Ronaldo era, when both clubs were considered the best in world football.
The Premier League, with its meteoric rise, represents direct competition to El Clasico. A clear example is the game between Manchester City and Arsenal, which in April 2026, reached a record audience on North American television, with 2.6 million viewers. By comparison, the May 2026 El Clasico, where Barcelona beat Real 2-0, averaged 1.3 million viewers on ESPN channels in the US. This contrast reveals an increase in competitiveness between the leagues, with the Premier League establishing itself as a powerhouse in the North American market.
Another factor that contributes to the popularity of the Premier League is the way in which the championship has built its image. Investment in broadcast technology, as well as partnerships with channels such as Sky Sports and NBC, has allowed us to establish a solid and consistent fan base that is not just focused on high-profile games.
In contrast, La Liga's global brand largely depends on the success and popularity of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite this, El Clasico has not completely lost its attractiveness. According to La Liga data, the 2025-2026 season saw a record 20.1 million viewers in the US, a 10% increase over the previous season. The same El Clasico in May 2026 saw a 16% increase compared to the previous clash in October 2025.
The competitive position of Barcelona and Real Madrid has also evolved. During the Messi and Ronaldo era, both clubs had squads that fought for Champions League titles. Currently, Barcelona, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, has shown a creative attack, but its defense often leaves space for counterattacks. The 4-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League in October 2026 is an example of this vulnerability. For its part, Real Madrid is still struggling to find the stability that led it to dominate the European competition.
However, the clash between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe could represent a new chapter. Yamal, with 20 goal contributions in the first 12 games of the 2026-2027 season, and Mbappe, with 15, symbolize the hope of a new era. Both players, representing different generations, have the potential to become icons for their clubs, with Yamal a product of the La Masia academy and Mbappe a rising star at Real.
The historical balance between both clubs is also remarkable, with 106 wins for each side and 52 draws in 264 official games so far. Despite the Premier League's dominance, El Clasico still carries a historical weight that few games can match, as it encompasses more than a century of rivalry, culture and history.
While El Clasico may no longer be considered the undisputed biggest game in the world, the clash on October 25th will be an opportunity to reassert that position. The rivalry between Yamal and Mbappe may not be as rich as that between Messi and Ronaldo, but each meeting between them contributes to the construction of a new narrative, with the potential to capture the imagination of football fans.
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What happens next
The next El Clasico, scheduled for October 25th at the Camp Nou, will be a crucial test to assess the continuity of its prestige. The presence of young talents like Lamine Yamal and comparison with stars like Kylian Mbappe could influence the way the game is perceived. The expectation is that the match will attract a massive audience, but the comparison with the Premier League could continue to be a topic of debate.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the attractiveness of El Clasico?
The attractiveness of El Clasico began to be questioned after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018 and Lionel Messi from Barcelona in 2021.
Who confirmed the decline in relevance of El Clasico?
A recent article by journalist Graham Ruthven, published in The Guardian, highlights the diminishing relevance of El Clasico.
Why is it now being discussed whether El Clasico is still the best?
r game in the world?
The discussion arises due to the growing popularity of the Premier League and the comparison of audiences between English league games and El Clasico.
What changes have occurred in the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid?
The changes include the departure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were the main stars and attractions of the confrontation.
When will the next El Clasico be?
The next meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for October 25th at Camp Nou.