Khabib Nurmagomedov is not the sort of individual that you would anticipate bellowing football chants. However, in this case, the retired UFC champion took everyone by surprise. In the presence of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, Khabib suddenly bellowed “Hala Madrid!” and grinned. As always, the internet went berserk. For a man who was known to be meek and calm, this boisterous Real Madrid affection was a surprise to football and MMA enthusiasts worldwide. The moment was amusing, surprising, and strangely sentimental.
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What Happened Between Khabib and Enrique?
All of this occurred in a lighthearted media exchange. In one brief viral video, Khabib Nurmagomedov is with Luis Enrique and screams “Hala Madrid!” as loudly as possible directly into the camera. The catch here is that Enrique has a strong tie to Barcelona—the longtime nemesis of Real Madrid. The video did not just become news due to the chant. It was the expression of pride on Khabib’s face. Subsequently, when questioned about it, he proceeded to explain, “I saw Mijatović’s goal in the 1998 final with my dad. That made me a Real Madrid fan forever.”
Why Did This Moment Matter?
Initial expectations were low by the fans for Khabib Nurmagomedov to be so outspoken about football, particularly with one of Barcelona’s legends. Aside from the football encounter, however, it also gave the fans a glimpse of his personal nostalgia. The chant wasn’t a troll or a joke—it was genuine. Seeing that iconic 1998 Champions League final on the TV with his dad sitting in the stands still lingered in his mind. And now, years down the line, he’s chanting it out loud, even in unfavorable company.
Khabib’s Childhood Memory: The Mijatović Goal
The 1998 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus was concluded with Predrag Mijatović scoring. For most of the Madrid supporters, it was a historic event. For Khabib Nurmagomedov, it was that bit more special. He watched it as a kid, sitting beside his father. Moments like those linger. Particularly when you’re young and you get to see something massive happen with someone you love. Khabib has never really demonstrated how much his father had on him. And this memory just puts all the more into that narrative.
The Internet Reacts: Football + MMA = Chaos
The instant the video went viral on social media, fans responded immediately. Memes began appearing with Khabib in a Madrid jersey. Some joked that he had “betrayed” Barcelona for doing so with Enrique. Others admired him for being true and loyal to his passion for the team. Fine internet fashion, the chant was cut into highlight reels, reaction videos, and football montages. Even channels that don’t generally do MMA content were posting Khabib Nurmagomedov screaming “Hala Madrid.”
Not Just Football, But Emotion
What is so fascinating isn’t that Khabib Nurmagomedov happens to be a Real Madrid fan. It’s because he yelled it out with passion, in an arena where it could have been humiliating or even hilarious. That is what made it go viral. And at that instance, fans of two completely different sports—football and MMA—felt the same moment, the same smile, and the same jolt of surprise.
Final Thoughts
Khabib Nurmagomedov is not a person who usually makes loud noises. But when he does, he does so with his heart. This was not some arbitrary chant—it was something that connected his childhood to the time being. Having Luis Enrique by his side, the chant seemed funnier yet more authentic at the same time. Eventually, sports memories never truly depart from you. They simply suddenly appear at totally random moments. To Khabib, Mijatović’s strike was booming, proud, and indelible.
Reddaveni Saisneha