Former Spain defender Gerard Piqué has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Spain’s latest World Cup squad selection, particularly the absence of players from Real Madrid.
In comments shared during a recent discussion, Piqué said public criticism over the squad list is unnecessary, stressing that national team selection should be based purely on performance and not club loyalty or political balance between teams.
According to him, the priority of the national team is simple: to win matches and compete for the World Cup, not to satisfy expectations from different clubs.
“People are angry because there are no Real Madrid players in the squad, but the national team is not built to protect egos or balance club politics,” he said. “It is built to win the World Cup.”
Piqué explained that if players from FC Barcelona are performing better and fit the coach’s system, then it is natural for them to dominate the squad list.
He added that this situation is not new, pointing out that Spain’s most successful generation in international football history was also largely built around Barcelona players.
The former defender also questioned the broader issue of development at club level, suggesting that Spain’s biggest clubs may no longer be producing enough national team players who are automatic starters for the national side.
“What surprises me is that some people act shocked by it,” he said. “Maybe instead of complaining, they should ask why the biggest club in the world has almost no Spanish players becoming untouchable for the national team anymore.”
Piqué concluded by saying that football should always be judged on performance on the pitch rather than reputation or club influence.
“In football, the pitch always speaks louder than the badge,” he added.
