Is El Clasico still the biggest football game in the world?

Is El Clasico still the biggest football game in the world?

Why this is important

El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has long been the benchmark in football, especially during the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The decline in interest could affect the perception of La Liga as one of the world's leading soccer leagues. With the growing dominance of the Premier League, the global football landscape could change forever.

Background

Lionel Messi, long the face of Barcelona and El Clasico, has left the league in 2021. His departure has changed the dynamics of the game and the question remains whether the encounter still has the same appeal without him and Ronaldo. The rivalry between the two La Liga clubs will continue to be steeped in history and tradition, but current developments in the Premier League are putting them under pressure.

Key findings

• Is El Clasico still the biggest football game in the world?.
• The El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has lost its luster in recent years.
• El Clasico có còn là trận đấu lớn nhất thế giới?.

For the last almost ten years, the duel between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid has not only been a game between two of the most traditional clubs in the world, but also the culmination of a competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two superstars who shaped modern football. Their duels were more than just games; They were events that pushed the boundaries of Spanish football and captivated millions of fans worldwide. But after Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018 and Messi's move from Barcelona in 2021, some of the special appeal of this encounter has been diminished. A recent article by Graham Ruthven in The Guardian raises the question of whether El Clasico is still the biggest football game in the world, particularly given the growing dominance of the Premier League. The upcoming match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on October 25th at the Camp Nou will undoubtedly attract millions of viewers worldwide. However, the clear dominance of this rivalry, as was evident during the time of Messi and Ronaldo, is no longer present. The Premier League has established itself as the most commercially successful and influential football tournament, which puts pressure on El Clasico. An example of this is the game between Manchester City and Arsenal in April 2026, which set a record for a Premier League game in the USA with 2.6 million viewers. In comparison, only 1.3 million viewers watched El Clasico in May 2026, when Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-0. These figures show that the Premier League attracts more viewers in the USA than the Spanish duel. Another factor is the way the Premier League manages its image. Through long-term partnerships with major broadcasters such as Sky Sports and NBC, as well as massive investments in production quality, the league has built a loyal viewer base. In contrast, La Liga's global brand is heavily dependent on Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite the challenges facing El Clasico, the appeal of the two clubs remains undeniable. According to La Liga, the league reached a record 20.1 million viewers in the US in the 2025-2026 season and an 11 percent increase in total viewing time. El Clasico in May 2026 saw a 16 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous clash. The sporting position of Barcelona and Real Madrid is also important. During the time of Messi and Ronaldo, both clubs were not only home to the best players, but also regular competitors for the Champions League trophy. This gave their encounters additional weight. But the balance of power in European football is changing. Barcelona, ​​under coach Hansi Flick, shows a creative offensive, but also has weaknesses defensively. A recent example is the defeat against PSG in the Champions League. Real Madrid are also struggling to regain the stability that once characterized them. Although they have invested in the transfer market, the return of Jose Mourinho has no immediate positive impact on the team's style of play. After nine league games, Real are in third place, six points behind Barcelona. Another lost game at Camp Nou could significantly dent Madrilenians' title hopes. The competition from PSG and other English clubs doesn't make things any easier. PSG have established themselves as one of the leading clubs in Europe under Luis Enrique, challenging the view of El Clasico as the duel of the best clubs in the world. Nevertheless, the clash between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe could bring about a turning point. Yamal has already contributed to 20 goals in 12 games this season, while Mbappe has 15 points in the same number of games. The two players could represent the new generation of superstars ready to continue the tradition of Messi and Ronaldo. The history of El Clasico remains significant and the upcoming game will be another step in the evolution of this rivalry. Despite the challenges, El Clasico remains a game with a unique history that makes it one of the most significant events in football. The value of such a duel lies not only in the current stars, but also in the memories and stories that are passed down through generations.

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What happens next

The upcoming El Clasico on October 25th will show whether the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid continues to attract the crowds it once did. The encounter could also shine a spotlight on the performances of emerging talents such as Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Fan reaction and ratings will be crucial in determining the future of this legendary rivalry.

Frequently asked questions

What is El Clasico?

El Clasico refers to the duel between the two most traditional clubs in Spanish football, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Who raised the question of whether El Clasico is still the biggest football game in the world? st?

The question was raised in a recent article by Graham Ruthven in The Guardian.

Why is the dominance of El Clasico being questioned?

The dominance of El Clasico is being questioned as the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer exists and the Premier League has grown in influence and viewership.

When will the next El Clasico take place?

The next El Clasico will take place on October 25th at the Camp Nou.

What changes have the viewer numbers shown between El Clasico and the Premier League?

An example shows that a Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal in April 2026 had 2.6 million viewers in the US, while El Clasico in May 2026 only attracted 1.3 million viewers.

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