Narendra Modi highlights crazy El Clasico fandom in India

PM Modi acknowledged the popularity of football in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent the internet into a frenzy following his recent mention of the Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry in a recent speech at an Indian Air Force event in Vadodara. It’s not often that you hear an incumbent head of state acknowledge the popularity of a sport at a non-footballing event.

The mention of Spanish football’s popularity in India and the recent ‘El Clasico’ game came during the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara.

इतना फुटबॉल का नॉलेज तो हमें भी नहीं है मोदी जी 😄❤️ pic.twitter.com/S4zveGxDei

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PM Narendra Modi aware of the popularity of LaLiga in India

PM Modi was extremely moved by the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the fans of both clubs in India. While talking about the recent game, Modiji stated, “Spanish football is liked a lot in India. Barcelona‘s spectacular victory was a subject of discussion here as well. I can also tell you that there was as much banter between the fans of the two clubs in India, as it would’ve been in Spain.” 

The guest of honor at the event was Spanish President Pedro Sanchez. Sanchez seemed pleased at PM Modi’s special recognition of the legendary Spanish football rivalry. The Spanish President was present at the event to inaugurate the new C-295 manufacturing facility with PM Modi. 

While talking about the decision to celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI, PM Modi stated, “Food, films, and football all connect us through strong people-to-people ties. I am happy that India and Spain have decided to celebrate the year 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.”

The rivalry between Spanish giants like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is one of the oldest rivalries in world football. There aren’t many rivalries that generate a buzz that is heard around the world.

However, a young Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 win over superstar-laden Real Madrid was bound to grab headlines across the world. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha were more than enough to defeat a wasteful Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid.

The popularity of Spanish football is backed by the fact that LaLiga is the second most-watched European football league in the world. While the Premier League and Ligue 1 have huge fanbases in India, football fans in the country continue to hold a special place for El Clasico and LaLiga in their hearts. 

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