FC Barcelona and Real Madrid share a long history of rivalry that has seen many iconic clashes over the years. The animosity has only grown through the years and reached its peak during the Pep Guardiola – Jose Mourinho era.
The two clubs are constantly fighting for bragging rights on who can get one over the other. Recency bias favors Barcelona, with Hansi Flick’s men beating their rivals four times in official matches last season.
You would assume that a rivalry this iconic would have seen it all by now, but as per Mundo Deportivo, the upcoming El Clásico is set to witness a never-before-seen scenario where both camps will have an English national.
The overlap of Englishmen
Real Madrid have had Jude Bellingham in their ranks for the past couple of seasons and even signed Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. Meanwhile, Barcelona are closing in on the arrival of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
In the last 100 years before this, the only Englishman to wear the Blaugrana jersey was Gary Lineker. He played for the club from 1986 – 1989, during which no compatriot of his played for Real Madrid. Thus, the overlap never happened.
The closest to Lineker was Laurie Cunningham, who spent four seasons at Real Madrid but left three years before Barcelona signed his countryman.
Since then, four English players have played for Real Madrid, leading up to the current duo: Steve McManaman (1999-2003), David Beckham (2003-07), Jonathan Woodgate (2004-06), and Michael Owen (2004-05).
Increase in viewership?
Apart from this first of its kind, being an interesting observation, this also increases the chance of El Clasico viewership in England, although timings may be a hindrance. Although it already is one of the most watched games in the football calendar, it could increase even more.
After years of drought, it feels good to finally see an Englishman set to wear the Blaugrana jersey. Rashford would be hoping to thrive at the Spanish club, and let’s wait and see how his face-off against Trent and Bellingham plays out when the first Clasico comes around.
