El Clásico Continues? Barcelona Players React to Yamal’s Instagram Move Regarding Carvajal

Just when fans thought the drama of El Clásico had ended on the pitch, it appears the tension has spilled over into the world of social media. The heated rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has now taken a digital twist — one that is causing shockwaves across Spain and the football world.

It all began when Barcelona’s 16-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, made a bold move shortly after the match: he unfollowed Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s veteran right-back, on Instagram. This action came just hours after the two were reported to have exchanged harsh words following Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Barcelona. What seemed like a private disagreement quickly turned public, with Yamal’s social media gesture igniting a new chapter in the rivalry.

According to Tribuna.com, Yamal’s unfollow was more than just a teenage reaction. It came after Carvajal allegedly made a pointed remark about the young star’s attitude and maturity during the match. While neither player has publicly commented on the exchange, insiders claim Carvajal’s words were “sharp enough to sting,” prompting Yamal’s symbolic digital retaliation.

But Yamal wasn’t alone in his actions. Shortly after his unfollow went viral, two of his Barcelona teammates — Pedri and Gerard Martín, both of whom also play alongside Carvajal in the Spanish national team — followed suit and unfollowed the Real Madrid captain as well. The coordinated move sparked online speculation that a silent protest was brewing within the Spanish squad.

This development has only deepened the growing tension between Spain’s two powerhouse clubs. The national team, already under scrutiny following Carvajal’s complaint against Yamal earlier in the week, now faces concerns about unity in the dressing room. What started as an on-field altercation has evolved into a social media rift with potential implications for Spain’s upcoming Euro qualifiers.

Real Madrid fans were quick to notice the shift, with some accusing Barcelona’s players of immaturity and pettiness. Meanwhile, Barcelona supporters praised Yamal for “standing his ground” and defending himself against what they see as disrespect from the older generation. “It’s a new era,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “The young players are not afraid to speak up — or unfollow.”

Carvajal, known for his fiery personality but strong leadership qualities, didn’t stay silent for long. In what many interpreted as a subtle response, the Real Madrid defender unfollowed all three Barcelona players — Yamal, Pedri, and Martín — and posted an Instagram story featuring a simple but cutting caption: “Respect is earned, not demanded.” The post quickly went viral, gaining hundreds of thousands of shares within hours.

Spanish media outlets described the episode as “El Clásico 2.0,” noting that the rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona has now extended far beyond football. Former national team players have expressed concern, warning that the growing hostility could harm Spain’s performance in future tournaments. “This is not just a club rivalry anymore,” said ex-Spain international David Villa. “Social media makes everything louder, and now it’s starting to affect national unity.”

Inside Barcelona’s camp, however, the sentiment is reportedly different. Coach Xavi Hernández has downplayed the controversy, calling it “a moment of emotion after a difficult loss.” He told reporters, “These are young players under immense pressure. Social media decisions don’t define character. What matters is how they respond on the pitch.”

Despite Xavi’s calm words, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is said to be keeping a close eye on the situation. Tensions between Madrid and Barcelona players are not new — similar divisions existed during the early 2010s when Real Madrid’s José Mourinho and Barça’s Pep Guardiola led their respective sides. However, many fear this generation’s conflicts could escalate faster because of the instantaneous nature of social media.

Fans across both camps are now waiting to see whether more players will “join the challenge,” as some Barcelona fans have started calling it. A few users even began using the hashtag #UnfollowCarvajalChallenge, pushing the rivalry further into the spotlight. What began as an unfollow has now become a viral campaign.

In the end, the incident highlights how football’s most famous rivalry has evolved with the times. What used to be settled in ninety minutes at the Bernabéu or Camp Nou is now playing out on Instagram feeds and trending hashtags. Whether the Spanish national team can rebuild trust after this online cold war remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: El Clásico is no longer just a match — it’s a never-ending story, playing out on and off the pitch, one unfollow at a time.