Szoboszlai vs. Güler
This week, a fiery social media exchange between Arda Güler and Dominik Szoboszlai has sent shockwaves through the football world. The Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR) reacted accordingly, reflecting the fallout. Güler, who went up 17 places to 79th, and Szoboszlai, who dropped 21 spots to 74th, found themselves at the center of attention during the international break.
The feud began when Arda Güler’s Turkey triumphed 3-0 over Szoboszlai’s Hungary, and Güler celebrated the victory with a shushing hand gesture aimed at the Liverpool midfielder. Szoboszlai didn’t take kindly to the gesture, responding after the game in the comments section of Güler’s Instagram post, cheekily noting “1088”, the total minutes Güler had played for Real Madrid this season.
Güler quickly responded on Instagram the next Monday, saying: “This guy is a joke. Isn’t six goals enough to silence you?” His post featured a photo of his signature “shhh” gesture, the 3-0 scoreline from the match, and a bold caption: “Szoboszlai, one Instagram comment,” alongside the names of the three Turkish goalscorers.
A Popularity Shakeup
The online altercation didn’t just fuel fan chatter, it had a tangible effect on their popularity rankings. Güler’s rapid rise can be attributed to the massive fanbase of Real Madrid and Turkey, who rallied behind the young midfielder, fueling the tribalism that often plays a role in these rankings. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai faced a dip in his ranking, likely due to both Hungary’s and Liverpool’s comparatively smaller fanbases when matched against the vast support that Güler has.
Tribalism in Football
The clash between Güler and Szoboszlai highlighted how nationality and club allegiance can influence popularity rankings. With millions backing Güler from Turkey and Real Madrid, it’s no surprise that his ranking trended upwards. On the other hand, Szoboszlai’s drop reflects the power of fan-driven tribalism in world football.
This social media showdown proves just how much off-field drama can impact players’ popularity—a small comment or gesture can lead to significant shifts in their rankings and public perception. Both players remain central figures in their respective teams, but this online exchange certainly leaves an impression on the GVPR.