Pope Leo XIV reveals Real Madrid support, drawing welcome from club

Pope Leo XIV has declared his support for the football club Real Madrid, a revelation that has quickly gained traction online. In a video that circulated widely on social media, the pontiff was asked about his preference between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Responding with a smile, the Pope stated, "That's easy, the Pope is for all teams... But Prevost is Real Madrid." He was speaking in his pre-papal identity as Robert Francis Prevost. The Pope, who was born in the United States, spent over two decades in Peru, where his passion for football may have developed.

The Spanish football giant Real Madrid quickly acknowledged the Pope's statement. The club's official account on X (formerly Twitter) posted, "The Pope is from Real Madrid. Welcome, Leo XIV!" The post received tens of thousands of likes, highlighting the widespread surprise and interest within the football community.

Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, also commented on the Pope's revelation during the opening of a speech for his re-election campaign. He stated, "I want to welcome the Pope who today on the plane that was taking him to Madrid told journalists that he is from Real Madrid. And that for us is a source of pride and an honor, welcome to Madrid, Your Holiness Leo XIV."