The Effect of Messi and Ronaldo’s Exit on El Clasico: A New Era in Spanish Football

For over a decade, El Clasico—Spain’s most fiercely contested football rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid—was synonymous with the greatness of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two global superstars elevated the matchup into a must-watch event, transcending club football to captivate millions across the world. Their individual brilliance, record-breaking performances, and the intense competition between them made El Clasico more than just a football game; it was a cultural phenomenon.

However, following Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid in 2018 and Messi’s exit from Barcelona in 2021, the dynamics of El Clasico have shifted dramatically. As the two talismanic figures moved on to new challenges, the iconic rivalry had to adapt. This blog explores the impact of their departure on El Clasico from various perspectives, including the tactical landscape, commercial implications, fan engagement, and the evolution of new stars in Spanish football.

1. The Messi-Ronaldo Era: Dominance and Rivalry

Before delving into the post-Messi-Ronaldo era, it is essential to recognize how their rivalry shaped the fixture. From 2009 (when Ronaldo joined Real Madrid) until 2018, the duel between Messi and Ronaldo defined El Clasico.

Records and Brilliance: Messi, a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, and Ronaldo, a global superstar acquired by Real Madrid for a record fee, broke countless records during their time in Spain. Messi became the all-time top scorer in El Clasico history, while Ronaldo consistently haunted Barcelona with key goals.

Titles and Trophies: During their rivalry, Barcelona and Real Madrid won multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and UEFA Champions League titles. Messi and Ronaldo’s direct competition often defined the outcome of these matches and the league as a whole. Every El Clasico was a head-to-head contest for bragging rights, individual awards, and team success.

Global Attention: El Clasico became the centerpiece of the football calendar. Fans who weren’t even aligned with either club would tune in to watch Messi and Ronaldo face off, leading to record-breaking viewership numbers. The matches were often broadcast to hundreds of countries, and social media buzz around these fixtures would trend worldwide.

The rivalry wasn’t just about football; it was about two iconic players, their competing legacies, and the clubs’ quest for dominance. But with Ronaldo leaving for Juventus in 2018 and Messi’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, what remains of El Clasico?

2. Post-Messi-Ronaldo: A Void in Star Power

The immediate aftermath of Ronaldo’s departure from Madrid and Messi’s exit from Barcelona was keenly felt. Both players had been the face of their respective clubs for years, and their absence left a void that could not be filled overnight.

Decreased Global Appeal: With the exit of Messi and Ronaldo, El Clasico’s viewership numbers and global attention took a hit. According to reports, the first Clasico after both stars left had significantly lower international ratings than those played during the height of their rivalry. Viewership in key markets like Asia, North America, and Africa saw a notable dip, as casual fans who tuned in for the Messi-Ronaldo showdown now lacked that superstar draw.

Fewer Fireworks: Beyond the statistics, the spectacle of El Clasico itself appeared to lose some of its glamour. Matches became more tactical, sometimes more cagey, without the free-flowing attacking football and individual brilliance that Messi and Ronaldo consistently brought to the fixture. Fans often expressed disappointment that the fixture lacked the excitement and intensity it once had.

Commercial Implications: The exit of Messi and Ronaldo not only impacted on-field action but also affected the commercial revenues tied to El Clasico. Both players had massive endorsement deals and attracted big sponsorship contracts. Companies that previously leveraged Messi and Ronaldo’s involvement in the rivalry to market their brands now had less star power to rely on. Ticket prices for Clasicos, particularly in markets outside Spain, also dropped in value as the must-see status of the match began to fade.

3. Tactical Shifts in El Clasico

With Messi and Ronaldo gone, the tactical dynamics of the match evolved. Both clubs had to transition away from strategies that revolved around their respective superstars, ushering in a more collective approach to the game.

Team-Oriented Approaches: Messi’s role as a playmaker and goal scorer for Barcelona had shaped the team’s style for years. His departure forced Barcelona to rethink its tactical system, placing a greater emphasis on youth talent like Ansu Fati and Pedri, while also bringing in Memphis Depay and Robert Lewandowski in subsequent seasons. Real Madrid, post-Ronaldo, shifted to a more balanced approach with Karim Benzema stepping up as the main attacking focal point.

Greater Emphasis on Midfield: Without two of the world’s most prolific forwards, both Barcelona and Real Madrid turned to their midfield as the backbone of their teams. Barcelona leaned heavily on their young midfield talent, while Real Madrid, anchored by veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, became more reliant on control and tactical discipline. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo shifted the importance away from the front lines and added a new dimension to how both teams operated in the center of the pitch.

Emergence of Defensive Football: Without the guarantee of Messi’s dribbles or Ronaldo’s lethal finishing, El Clasico matches became more cautious affairs. Both teams, at various times, placed greater emphasis on defensive solidity rather than risk-taking in attack. This change in emphasis also made El Clasico somewhat less thrilling for neutral fans, who had grown accustomed to high-scoring spectacles.

4. The Role of New Stars: Filling the Void

One of the most pressing questions post-Messi and Ronaldo has been whether any players can rise to take their place as the faces of El Clasico. While it is unlikely anyone will replicate their individual achievements, several players have begun to carve their own legacies in the fixture.

Ansu Fati and Pedri (Barcelona): Both Ansu Fati and Pedri represent Barcelona’s future, with the club hopeful that their youthful energy can re-energize the team. Ansu Fati’s quick rise to prominence, marked by his pace and ability to score key goals, made him a potential heir to Messi’s throne. Pedri’s creative genius and composure on the ball have also made him one of the most exciting talents in La Liga.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): In Ronaldo’s absence, Benzema transformed into the leader of Madrid’s attack. His consistent goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, combined with his maturity on the field, ensured that Madrid continued to challenge at the highest levels. Though not as flashy as Ronaldo, Benzema became a dependable force in El Clasico, regularly influencing the outcome of the match.

Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): Madrid’s new generation, led by the likes of Vinícius and Valverde, has also added intrigue to the fixture. Vinícius, with his explosive pace and dribbling, has provided an exciting dynamic on the wings, often reminiscent of Ronaldo’s early days. Valverde, known for his versatility, brings energy and steel to Madrid’s midfield, contributing in both defense and attack.

5. Fan Sentiment: Nostalgia for the Past, Hope for the Future

The absence of Messi and Ronaldo has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of many fans. Those who were drawn to El Clasico because of the intense rivalry between these two players now look back at their battles with fondness. The narrative-driven nature of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry made El Clasico more than just a game; it was a clash of titans that transcended football.

Nostalgia: Long-time fans of the fixture often express a deep sense of nostalgia for the Messi-Ronaldo era. Social media platforms are filled with highlights from past Clasicos featuring the two, and documentaries have been made chronicling their impact on the rivalry. There is a prevailing sentiment that El Clasico has lost a bit of its magic without them.

Hope for a New Era: At the same time, there is hope that the next generation of players can usher in a new era of Clasico drama. While Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry may be irreplaceable, younger fans are eager to see new stars emerge, offering fresh narratives and exciting football.

6. The Financial Impact on La Liga

Messi and Ronaldo’s exit not only affected El Clasico but also had wider ramifications for La Liga as a whole.

Reduced Global Appeal: La Liga, long marketed as the home of the world’s best footballers, lost its two biggest draws. International broadcasting rights and commercial deals that were once lucrative for the league were affected. With the Premier League continuing to grow in prominence and new markets emerging in other parts of the world, La Liga has struggled to maintain the same level of global attention without its two biggest stars.

Investment in New Talent: In response to the exits, La Liga has shifted focus toward nurturing young talent and promoting emerging stars. Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid have invested heavily in their youth academies and new signings, hoping to develop the next generation of world-class talent that can help restore the league’s global appeal.

7. The Future of El Clasico

The departure of Messi and Ronaldo marked the end of an era for El Clasico. For over a decade, their individual brilliance and rivalry turned the fixture into a global spectacle. While their absence has diminished some of the glamour and international interest in the match, it has also opened the door for a new generation of players to shine.

El Clasico is now in a period of transition, where new storylines and rivalries are starting to take shape. The match may no longer be defined by two of the greatest players in football history, but it still carries immense importance in Spanish football and beyond.

• The Rise of New Rivalries: While Messi vs. Ronaldo was the central narrative for over a decade, the post-Messi-Ronaldo era has allowed other matchups to come into focus. Whether it’s the clash between the veteran leadership of Benzema and the emerging brilliance of Ansu Fati, or the battle between midfield maestros like Modric and Frenkie de Jong, El Clasico is evolving into a more balanced and collective contest.
• The Importance of Legacy: One of the defining features of El Clasico during the Messi-Ronaldo years was the emphasis on individual legacy. Both players were chasing Ballon d’Or awards, goal-scoring records, and international recognition. Now, the focus has shifted back to the clubs themselves. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both in the process of rebuilding their squads, and their rivalry will now be measured by how they succeed in this new era. The next decade of El Clasico may not be about individual greatness but about collective team success and the resurgence of Spanish football on the European stage.
• The Fan Experience: The fan experience of El Clasico is also changing. While there’s nostalgia for the Messi-Ronaldo era, many fans are excited about the future. The unpredictability of the matches now offers a different kind of excitement. Without Messi or Ronaldo, no one can predict who will be the game-changer or which moment will define the match. This uncertainty adds a fresh layer of drama to El Clasico, appealing to hardcore fans and creating new memories for younger generations.

 

8. Can El Clasico Reclaim Its Former Glory?

The big question remains: Can El Clasico ever return to the level of global significance it held during the Messi-Ronaldo years?

• The Answer Lies in the Next Generation: The key to El Clasico’s future lies in the hands of the next generation of footballers. Players like Vinícius Júnior, Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi, and Federico Valverde are already showing flashes of brilliance that could redefine the rivalry. If these players can consistently perform at a high level, the fixture can regain its position as one of the premier matchups in world football.
• A Club-Centric Future: Without Messi and Ronaldo, the fixture could return to its roots as a rivalry primarily centered around the two clubs and their history rather than individual players. Barcelona and Real Madrid remain two of the most successful and influential football clubs in the world, with their histories deeply intertwined in Spanish culture. The future of El Clasico may be less about star power and more about the long-standing institutional rivalry between these two footballing giants.
• Global Marketing and New Stars: La Liga’s ability to market its new crop of stars will also play a huge role in determining the future of El Clasico. While the league has struggled to maintain its global popularity since Messi and Ronaldo left, a new approach to branding and marketing, particularly in emerging markets like the United States, Asia, and Africa, could help restore the fixture’s global prominence.
• The Role of Managers: The influence of managerial battles will also play a big role in the modern El Clasico. Historically, figures like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho added another layer of tension to the rivalry. In the current era, the tactical battles between managers like Xavi Hernández at Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid are already shaping how the games are played. As both clubs undergo a period of transition, the role of these managers in navigating the post-Messi and Ronaldo landscape will be crucial.

9. Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

El Clasico has undoubtedly lost some of its sheen following the departure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is far from losing its relevance. While the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry brought unprecedented attention to the fixture, the essence of El Clasico has always been rooted in the intense rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The fixture remains one of the most important matchups in world football and continues to capture the imagination of fans around the globe.

As both clubs transition into new eras, a new narrative is emerging—one that prioritizes team unity, young stars, and tactical battles. The beauty of El Clasico lies in its ability to evolve and adapt. While Messi and Ronaldo will forever be associated with some of the greatest moments in the fixture’s history, the future holds new opportunities for players to create their own legacies.

• Final Thoughts: The post-Messi and Ronaldo era may feel like the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of something new and exciting. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona will continue to thrive, and as young talents rise to prominence, El Clasico may once again capture the global spotlight.

The departure of Messi and Ronaldo has changed the complexion of El Clasico, but as football history has shown, rivalries evolve, and stars come and go. El Clasico is entering a new chapter—one with its own stories to tell, new heroes to cheer for, and new moments of drama to unfold.