Marcos Llorente and Ferran Torres had just won the World Cup with Spain. They went on vacation to Ibiza, and there were photos: hugs, smiles, a kiss on the cheek between friends.
Social media was quick to split. Llorente waited, traveled to Barcelona, and responded there during an Instagram Q&A.
He was direct: “I’m surprised that in 2026 it still sparks debate when two men show each other affection. But then I see the state of things and I understand it”.
And he added the phrase that became the center of it all: “There is nothing more masculine than a man who is confident in himself, who is not afraid to show affection to another friend”.
Ferran Torres did not say another word. He shared the full message on his own social media.