Barcelona defender Jules Koundé firmly denied allegations on May 12, 2025, that he attended a nightclub party hosted by rapper Travis Scott following the team’s dramatic 4-3 El Clásico victory over Real Madrid, accusing Spanish media of spreading falsehoods. The rebuttal addresses a controversy that threatened to overshadow Barcelona’s significant step toward securing the La Liga title.
The claims originated from a now-deleted report suggesting Koundé and other Barcelona players were at the Opium nightclub in Barcelona, where Scott, whose Cactus Jack logo adorned the team’s matchday shirts, performed after the game. Koundé, sidelined by a hamstring injury and absent from the match squad, clarified that he was nowhere near the venue, emphasizing that the report lacked journalistic integrity. The 27-year-old French international, known for his commanding presence in Barcelona’s defense, was among VIP guests, including Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho, at a pre-match Travis Scott concert organized by Spotify on May 11 at Les Tres Xemeneies. However, he did not attend any post-match events, focusing instead on his recovery to return for Barcelona’s title push.
The El Clásico, held at Montjuïc Stadium, saw Barcelona rally to defeat Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick overshadowed by goals from Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and a late winner, moving Barcelona closer to dethroning their rivals. The match, watched by Scott, highlighted the club’s partnership with Spotify, which has driven record shirt sales. Koundé’s absence from the pitch, due to an injury sustained in a Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, has not diminished his importance under coach Hansi Flick, who considers him a versatile asset at center-back and right-back. In 2024, Koundé played 5,872 minutes across 69 matches, the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, underscoring his reliability.
The false report reflects broader tensions between athletes and media, particularly in high-profile settings like Barcelona, where scrutiny is intense. Koundé, a fashion enthusiast often seen in custom outfits, has faced similar media speculation before, including a refuted claim about his reaction to Lewandowski’s return from injury. His denial aligns with his proactive approach to addressing misinformation, a stance shared by teammates like Lamine Yamal, who also challenged media narratives post-match. The incident has prompted discussions about journalistic standards in Spain, with Barcelona’s management supporting Koundé’s call for accountability.
As Barcelona prepares for a decisive derby against Espanyol on May 15, a win could clinch the La Liga title, their first since 2023.