Leo XIV reveals football allegiances ahead of World Cup

Pope Leo XIV said he plans to follow this year’s football World Cup, expressing support for multiple teams while acknowledging uncertainty over how many matches he will be able to watch.

According to La Repubblica, a correspondent travelling with the papal press pool reported the remarks during the pontiff’s flight to Madrid, the first stop of a six-day visit to Spain.

During the journey, Leo XIV indicated a personal preference for Real Madrid. Asked which side he would back in a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, he replied: “The Pope supports all teams, and Prevost (the pontiff’s surname — ed.) supports Real Madrid.”

Speaking earlier about the upcoming World Cup — to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — the pontiff said he would support the US national team, but added that, if choosing between the United States and Peru, he would likely favour the latter.

Before his election, Leo XIV, whose surname is Prevost, spent many years working as a missionary in Peru. He holds Peruvian citizenship and is fluent in Spanish, with all his scheduled addresses in Spain set to be delivered in that language.

Prior to becoming pope, he also attended matches of AS Roma while living in Rome. In his personal life, the pontiff plays tennis and engages in horse riding.

By Tamilla Hasanova