Ex-Man United star blasts TikTokers at matches – 'that's not the essence of football'

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has slammed the rising presence of TikTokers and social media influencers at football stadiums, arguing that their behavior is disrespectful to the true spirit of the game. Speaking to the Spanish YouTube channel El Boro, Herrera expressed his frustration after witnessing numerous influencers more preoccupied with taking selfies and recording content than supporting the teams on the pitch during a recent visit to the Santiago Bernabeu. While the 36-year-old, who currently plays for Boca Juniors in Argentina, acknowledged that everyone has a right to attend matches, he maintained that the focus on self-promotion over genuine fandom is eroding the traditional matchday experience. Herrera noted that he grew up in an era where stadiums were filled with multi-generational families singing for ninety minutes, a stark contrast to the modern trend of young fans wearing replica kits solely for social media exposure.

The report highlights specific instances that fueled Herrera’s outburst, including the presence of high-profile Spanish influencers Marina Rivers and Lola Lolita at recent high-stakes fixtures. These individuals, who boast millions of followers, have drawn criticism for wearing rival club colors and appearing disinterested in the tactical nuances of the games they attend. Herrera argued that while these influencers are free to participate in the sport's commercial growth, their actions often feel performative rather than authentic. For the Spaniard, the "essence" of football lies in the emotional connection between a grandfather and his grandson standing together in the stands, rather than in the digital metrics of a viral post. He suggested that the commercialization of the stadium environment is leading to a sanitized atmosphere where the core values of loyalty and passion are being replaced by a desire for online validation.

Beyond his personal annoyance, Herrera’s comments tap into a broader debate within the footballing community regarding the "touristification" of major European stadiums. Critics of the current trend argue that the influx of influencers is driving up ticket prices and displacing local, lifelong supporters who contribute to the authentic vocal atmosphere. Herrera’s critique resonates with a segment of the fanbase that feels modern football is becoming too focused on its image as a global entertainment product rather than a local community asset. By speaking out, the former United fan favorite is signaling his desire for the sport to return to its roots, where the focus remains firmly on the events taking place on the grass rather than the aesthetic of the spectators in the VIP sections.

As the 2025-26 season enters its final weeks, Herrera’s verdict has sparked a significant conversation across social media platforms, ironically involving many of the same influencers he targeted. While some argue that influencers bring new, younger audiences to the sport, Herrera remains adamant that this should not come at the expense of football’s soul. He concluded his thoughts by reiterating his preference for the "old way" of experiencing the game, where the collective voice of the crowd takes precedence over individual content creation. For Herrera, the beauty of the sport is found in the shared struggle and joy of the ninety minutes, a feeling he believes cannot be accurately captured or represented through a TikTok filter.