Even the wealthiest footballers in the world can’t find a proper stream in this bifurcated market.
Over the weekend, teammates caught Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez watching the Blaugrana’s La Liga opener on an illegal stream.
The Spanish midfielder shared a screenshot to his Instagram stories while on some much-deserved vacation. The 21-year-old played in consecutive triumphant tournaments for Spain, taking home the Euro 2024 and a gold medal in Paris this summer.
He scored a brace for La Roja in the Olympic final against France.
Lopez’s national and club teammates informed him about the illicit behavior. Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Nico Williams commented on the player’s “error.” Five months ago, Barcelona’s Commercial Court No. 8 authorized La Liga to take direct legal action against individuals streaming football content illegally.
While Lopez instantly deleted the Story, his mates made sure he didn’t forget it by replying to his latest Instagram vacation highlights album.
The 17-year-old Barca and Spain phenom Lamine Yamal said, “They hacked his cell phone, and if not, I don’t understand anything.”
Lopez’s former Barca teammate Felix wrote, “You’ll have time to delete it.” Williams, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, replied with a suspicious side-eye emoji.
If a millionaire footballer can’t find a paid stream, what does that say about the streaming market? “Good. Nobody likes having to subscribe to hundred different online platforms,” wrote a Redditor.
“Reminds me of a while ago when Lebron was watching on an illegal site too lol. Every athlete in every sport understands the corporate greed of these subscription services and are sick of it haha,” said another.
Fermin returned to Barca training on Tuesday after his memorable vacation. We’re sure his Barca teammates are still giving him an earful.
