Pope Leo XIV is reported to have lightened the mood ahead of a state visit to Spain by making a joking remark about football loyalties. According to coverage from Vanguard and The Punch, the pope made the comment while traveling, presenting it as a humorous contrast to the expectation that he supports all teams. The reports state that, during the flight to Spain, he referenced Real Madrid by name, indicating personal support for the club. Vanguard characterizes the remark as a departure from the diplomatic tact typically associated with papal remarks, while The Punch describes the exchange as a way to add levity to the journey and notes that it accompanied wider reflections on the pope’s apostolic travels and global issues.
Taken together, both outlets describe the same episode: Pope Leo XIV’s football joke—“for all teams” alongside a clear personal preference for Real Madrid—during preparations for his trip to Spain. Neither source provides additional corroborating details such as the exact wording beyond the core claim, nor do they include responses from Spanish officials or the football club in the excerpts provided.
