MADRID, Spain — Atlético Madrid has issued a statement dismissing reports that it is considering a €150 million offer from Real Madrid for star forward Julián Álvarez, using the opportunity to mock its city rival and reignite one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Okay News reports that Atlético responded after speculation emerged that Real Madrid had submitted a massive bid for the Argentine international. In a statement released on Monday, the club rejected any suggestion that Álvarez could leave the Metropolitano, insisting that no offer was under consideration. Atlético also took aim at Real Madrid over the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Santiago Bernabéu, accusing the club of selectively promoting footage from the pontiff’s appearance.
“You cut the video of the Pope where he said he was also an Atleti fan,” Atlético said. The club added that it was “not studying nor considering any offer for Julián” before delivering a final jab at its rival: “How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona.” Atlético further dismissed any notion that it owed gratitude to Real Madrid, saying, “We don’t thank you for anything.”
The exchange came just hours after Pope Leo XIV visited Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where he met with members of Madrid’s diocesan community and was welcomed by club president Florentino Pérez. During the visit, Pérez presented the pontiff with a personalised Real Madrid jersey bearing his birth name, Robert F. Prevost, and the number one, as well as a replica of the renovated stadium. Pope Leo, in turn, presented the Real Madrid president with a commemorative medal.
The Bernabéu event formed part of the Pope’s high-profile visit to Spain, which has attracted significant public attention. It followed a massive open-air Mass in Madrid attended by more than one million worshippers and highlighted the unusual intersection of religion and football in the Spanish capital. Atlético’s remarks suggest that even a papal visit has become part of the ongoing rivalry between the city’s two biggest clubs.
While Real Madrid has not publicly responded to Atlético’s statement, the club’s position regarding a potential move for Álvarez remains unclear. For now, Atlético appears determined to shut down transfer speculation while turning the latest controversy into another chapter in Madrid’s long-running football feud.
