Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, spoke at the launch event for the Panini sticker album covering La Liga Santander 2022-23 and once again found himself at the center of controversy. The top executive did not shy away from declaring his affinity for Madrid and made a provocative comment linking two of Europe’s football stars, Benzema and Lewandowski, that ricocheted across social networks. His remarks added another layer to the ongoing debate about club prestige, market power, and the public face of a competition that plays a central role in the sport across Spain, Europe, and beyond.
I’m waiting for Mbappe
During his remarks Tebas was asked which player he would most like to see featured this season. He paused, then offered a candid answer that drew attention to Mbappé after a remarkable year. He also returned to his familiar shorthand comparisons, noting his allegiance to Madrid while expressing a personal preference for Benzema. The exchange quickly circulated online, igniting discussions among fans and pundits about transfer priorities, team balance, and the shifting landscape of European football star power.
What followed was Tebas’s broader commentary on the evolving dynamics of the transfer market. He pointed to a French midfielder connected with Real Madrid as a future standout, suggesting that the player may rise to become a decisive figure in the club’s plans. The remarks touched on the broader theme of how emerging talents can alter the balance of competition, and how a single player could influence the strategic direction of a club in a league that prides itself on competitiveness and financial sustainability.
⚽️ We had a great time presenting your album. @League 2022-23! pic.twitter.com/2xmAwsdPtT
– Panini Cromos (Panini Cromos) 6 September 2022
The LaLiga leadership team, led by Tebas, indicated that a forthcoming press conference would address the transfer market in detail. The focus would extend beyond individual player rumors to examine spending patterns, competitive parity with other major leagues, and the overall health of the championship as a commercial and sporting product. The general message stressed that the league is committed to maintaining a balanced distribution of resources, while recognizing the disparities that naturally exist between clubs with varying revenue streams and global appeal.
Tebas also commented on the broader status of LaLiga within the international football ecosystem. He noted the challenges of comparing leagues with different demographic scales and penetration into domestic markets. While acknowledging the strong base of Spanish football fans, he emphasized the need to translate that passion into measured growth and sustainable development. The remarks underscored a philosophy that the league values its local roots while continuing to pursue strategic partnerships, responsible governance, and prudent financial management.
Finally, Tebas touched on a recurring theme within Spanish football: the difficulty of assessing the league’s value against larger populations and subscriber bases seen in other countries. He pointed to the size of global audiences and the vibrancy of football communities as proof that LaLiga remains a powerful force. Yet he also acknowledged that numerical indicators alone do not tell the full story. Results on the pitch, fan engagement, and the ability to foster homegrown talent remain essential measurements of success for the league and its member clubs.