“Real Madrid isn’t good enough for Barcelona,” Marcus Rashford sparked a wave of outrage with his bold remarks made this Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM +07, just before the start of the new season. The English striker, recently transferred to FC Barcelona, didn’t hesitate to provoke his former rival in an interview ahead of the opening match of La Liga. However, Real Madrid’s young prodigy, Arda Güler, responded immediately with a message of just twelve words that left Rashford speechless, intensifying the rivalry between Spain’s two most iconic clubs.
The controversy began when Rashford, during a press conference at Camp Nou, confidently stated: “Real Madrid don’t have the level to compete with us this season.” These words, spoken after his arrival at Barcelona from Manchester United in a record-breaking transfer, have been interpreted as an attempt to affirm his newfound loyalty and reignite the historic rivalry between the two giants. Furious Real Madrid fans flooded social media with messages such as “Rashford will regret this!” and “El Clásico will be his lesson,” while Barça fans celebrated the forward’s boldness, who is already emerging as a leader in the Barcelona dressing room.
Arda Güler’s response was swift. The talented 19-year-old Turk, considered one of the greatest promises in world football, responded on his X account with a concise but scathing tweet: “You talk a lot, Rashford. Prove it on the pitch, not with words.” These twelve words, laden with defiance, have been seen as a masterstroke that has temporarily silenced the Englishman, who has not issued any further comment. The speed and coolness of Güler’s response have earned praise among Real Madrid fans, with hashtags such as #GülerResponde and #RealMadridFuerza trending within hours.
The incident has raised expectations for the first Clásico of the season, scheduled for October 2025, where both players will have the opportunity to back up their words with action. Rashford, known for his speed and skill on the left flank, arrives at Barcelona under pressure to justify his multimillion-dollar move, while Güler, who has impressed with his vision and spectacular goals, is looking to establish himself as a mainstay at Real Madrid. Sports analysts suggest this personal rivalry could define the balance of power in La Liga this season.
Fans are divided. While some see Rashford’s statements as a psychological ploy, others consider them an unnecessary provocation that could further motivate his opponents. For his part, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has avoided commenting directly on the matter, focusing instead on the team’s preparations. At Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has praised Güler’s maturity, stating that “young people like him are the future of the club.”
With the season about to begin, this verbal sparring adds another chapter to the epic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The football world will be watching how Rashford and Güler translate their words into performance, promising a year full of excitement and drama
