Is El Clasico still the biggest match in the world?

Is El Clasico still the biggest match in the world?

According to Vnexpress.

Background

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid in El Clasico has always been considered one of the most important in the world of football. The changing landscape of the league and the emerging role of new stars like Lamin Yamal and Kylian Mbappé have made the situation of this match even more complex.

Why it matters

El Clasico, symbolizing the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, has played an important role in the world of football over the past decade. The competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo made this match even more special. But now, when both these stars have left the clubs, the question arises whether this match is still the biggest football match in the world.

Key Points

• Is El Clasico still the biggest match in the world?.
• This article analyzes the current state of El Clásico, focusing on the changing landscape of the league and the emerging role of new stars..
• Is El Clasico still the biggest match in the world?.

For more than a decade, the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, what we know as El Clásico, has not only been a rivalry between the two richest clubs, but it has also come to symbolize the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a match in which the world's biggest football stars came face to face and from which football fans expected something special every time.

However, since Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 and Messi said goodbye to Barcelona in 2021, this match has lost its luster. Now, the question arises whether El Clasico is still the biggest football match in the world.

Graham Ruthven, journalist of eclipse magazine 'The Guardian', has discussed this topic and said that the popularity of El Clasico is still intact to some extent, but its condition is no longer the same as before. Millions of fans are eager to watch this match to be held at Camp Nou on 25th October, but is this match still at the same level as it was during the Messi-Ronaldo era?

The growing influence of the English Premier League has challenged the status of this match. For example, the match between Man City and Arsenal in April 2026 attracted a record-breaking audience. At the same time, the number of spectators in the previous edition of El Clasico was relatively less.

Additionally, the Premier League has worked hard to strengthen its brand. England's league has maintained long-term relationships with Sky Sports and NBC, ensuring stable viewership.

At the same time, the identity of Barcelona and Real Madrid mainly depends on these two clubs. While the Premier League is home to several big clubs that come with their own identities and fanbases, La Liga's identity is primarily focused on Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, it would be wrong to say that El Clásico has lost its popularity. According to La Liga data, the league has attracted 20.1 million viewers in the US in the 2025-2026 season, which is 10% more than the previous season.

The number of spectators coming to El Clasico has also increased by 16% from the previous match. This shows that this match still maintains an important place at the global level.

Now, while we are discussing the latest situation of El Clasico, we should note that the situation of Barcelona and Real Madrid is also changing. Barcelona are showing a new edge under Hansi Flick, while Real Madrid have failed to repeat their previous performances.

The role of new generation stars like Lamin Yamal and Kylian Mbappe can be important in this match. The competition between these players can write a new story. Yamal, who has emerged as Barcelona's top scorer Lamin Yamal, and Mbappe, who is considered a key player for Real Madrid, could open a new chapter in history in this year's El Clasico.

Thus, despite questions being raised about the status of El Clásico, the match is still one of the biggest in football. We will have to wait for October 25 to see if this match will be successful in bringing back its old shine.

Reactions on

• Michael Carrick: Manchester United coach at Burnley on Sunday
• Juventus' support continues, team remains with Spalletti
• Roberto Pruzzo: "Two new players for Rome in January"

Related Articles

• Wael Mohya faces controversial goal celebration from Stuttgart fans

Related Articles

• Istanbul's future bright with Sahraab Bakhtiarizade