The Media's Double Standards in Spain: How Barcelona Is Targeted While Real Madrid Is PraisedOnce again, we are faced with the unsettling reality of how Spanish media outlets consistently twist narratives to cast FC Barcelona in a negative light, while other clubs particularly Real Madrid are allowed to operate with impunity, free from similar levels of scrutiny. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore what feels like a coordinated campaign to discredit Barcelona’s efforts, regardless of whether they succeed or fail.
Many of these so-called journalists are not independent voices, but rather mouthpieces echoing agendas, designed to manipulate public perception. This isn’t just frustration from fans it’s a pattern that’s repeated time and time again, especially in transfer windows and during financial discussions.
Take the case of Marcus Rashford, for example. Despite what the headlines may suggest, Barcelona have had a personal agreement with the player for months. He’s been a key target for the club’s sporting department, and everything now hinges on Manchester United’s final decision regarding his future. Yet, the media has largely ignored these facts instead, they focus on creating sensational headlines, sowing confusion and casting doubt on Barça’s planning.
Now contrast that with the coverage surrounding Nico Williams. Despite no agreement ever being reached between Barcelona and the Athletic Bilbao winger, the media spun the story as if Barça had fumbled a done deal mocking the club and its board, calling it an embarrassing failure. It’s worth noting that the truth was clear all along: there were merely exploratory talks, not formal negotiations. But that didn’t stop reporters from framing the situation in a way that fueled outrage and ridicule.
Meanwhile, let’s talk about Real Madrid’s spending spree, which seems immune to criticism despite its sheer extravagance. This year alone:
€80 million earned from the FIFA Club World Cup
€60 million spent on Dean Huijsen
€10 million for Trent Alexander-Arnold
€63 million for Claudio Echeverri Mastantuono
And now, a reported €50 million for a player who came through their own youth system
Not to mention the €100 million signing bonus for Kylian Mbappé
And what did all this lead to? No major titles in 2025. A trophyless season capped off by being outplayed and embarrassed by Paris Saint-Germain, showing a lack of identity and tactical awareness on the biggest stage.
If this had happened at Barcelona, imagine the headlines. They would’ve called it the “Ridiculousness of the Century”, tearing into Laporta and every decision the club made from transfer fees to salaries, from youth development to sponsorship deals. There would’ve been front-page op-eds, mockery on primetime sports shows, and endless criticism across platforms.
Yet when Madrid stumbles, the narrative is always softened. Their failures are called “transitional phases,” their spending labeled as “necessary investments.” The same pundits who mock Barcelona’s strategy suddenly become sympathetic analysts, urging patience and understanding for their rivals.
This double standard is glaring, and it’s damaging not just to Barcelona, but to the credibility of Spanish sports journalism as a whole. Barcelona, despite navigating enormous financial constraints and rebuilding under intense pressure, is held to impossible standards, while Real Madrid’s failings are swept under the rug.
The fans see it. The players feel it. And it’s high time it was called out for what it truly is: a media bias designed to protect certain interests while undermining others.
