Robert Lewandowski or Kylian Mbappe? Lamine Yamal or Vinicius Jr? Marcelo picks favorites between Real Madrid and Barcelona players
Former Brazil international Marcelo was recently asked to pick between several Real Madrid and Barcelona players. The former Los Blancos left-back opted for Madrid players in all positions and also picked new manager Xabi Alonso over Hansi Flick.
In a recent discussion with PlayStation (as posted by Madrid Xtra on X), Marcelo was asked who has the best players between Madrid and Barca. Players from both clubs who play in the same position were pitted against each other, and the 37-year-old was asked to choose.
In the goalkeeping department, Marcelo chose Thibaut Courtois over Wojciech Szczesny. When the interviewer then pitted new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jules Kounde against each other at right-back, the Brazilian legend went for Dani Carvajal.
Similarly, when Dean Huijsen was drawn against Pau Cubarsi, Macelo went for Eder Militao. He also opted for Antonio Rudiger ahead of Inigo Martinez. At left-back, he went for Ferland Mendy over Alejandro Balde. Among the midfielders, Marcelo picked Eduardo Camavinga ahead of Frenkie de Jong, Jude Bellingham over Pedri, and Federico Valverde over Dani Olmo.
However, when asked to pick between Raphinha and Rodrygo, he stated that it was difficult to make a pick and settled for a draw. Marcelo then chose Vinicius Jr above Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe over Robert Lewandowski. He ended the challenge by naming Xabi Alonso as his favorite manager ahead of Barcelona's Hansi Flick.
Marcelo's choices illustrate his strong allegiance to Real Madrid. The Brazilian represented Los Blancos for 16 seasons, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in football. He featured for the club 546 times, recording 38 goals, 103 assists, and won 25 trophies.
Who have Barcelona and Real Madrid signed in the 2025 summer transfer market?
The 2025 summer transfer market officially opened on June 1, and clubs have begun beefing up their squads ahead of the 2025-26 season. Barcelona are yet to complete any signings this summer, but Real Madrid have been active, sealing three major deals already.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have joined Los Blancos from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively. Madrid have also brought in Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid's participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup has facilitated these early signings.
Alonso's side are also reportedly close to completing deals for Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras and River Plate's Franco Mastantuono. Barcelona, meanwhile, are reportedly eyeing players like Nico Williams and Rafael Leao.
