Marcelo’s Champions League joke at Barcelona’s expense goes viral

Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo used a question about his Champions League record to make an indirect jibe at Barcelona during a video game launch event in New York.

The Brazilian was appearing at the event alongside former players including Luis Figo and Javier Mascherano when he was asked: “Do you know how many Champions League titles you have won?”

Marcelo, who played for Real Madrid, replied with a laugh: “The same number as Barcelona.”

The exchange was reported by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which said the event had been filled with the usual laughter and jokes before Marcelo delivered a remark unlikely to appeal to Barcelona supporters.

His answer was given in the presence of Figo, who had played for Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid. Marcelo’s response quickly became the main talking point from the event, with a video of the moment spreading widely on X.

The clip prompted a strong reaction, including anger from Barcelona fans and considerable support for Marcelo from some Real Madrid supporters. They viewed his comment as a clear reference to Barcelona’s 11-year wait to win the Champions League again.

Marcelo appeared to embrace the humour of the moment as he drew on the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs. His answer did not directly name Barcelona beyond the comparison, but the reference was immediately understood by those responding to the video.

The incident also attracted attention because of the presence of Figo, whose move from Barcelona to Real Madrid remains one of the most notable transfers between the Spanish rivals. Mascherano, another former Barcelona player, was also at the New York event.

The video circulated with enthusiastic reactions from Real Madrid fans, while Barcelona supporters criticised Marcelo’s remark. The exchange was shared widely as a light-hearted but pointed moment involving one of football’s most prominent club rivalries.