Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente has publicly responded to a report by The Telegraph newspaper that described his promotion of conspiracy theories as a threat to public health. The 31-year-old Spanish international used his Instagram story on Thursday to share the article, framing the criticism as an amplification of his message. Llorente's post read, in part, "The more a message with meaning and substance is criticised, the further it spreads. I can only thank them for amplifying it."
The Telegraph's story, published on Wednesday, detailed Llorente's alignment with various unsubstantiated theories, including the belief that governments use chemtrails for population control and the denial of a link between sun exposure and skin cancer. The article included a reaction from Spain's Health Minister and sparked significant discussion online. Llorente, whose contract with Atletico runs until 2027, is a key player for Diego Simeone's side and has made 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
This incident is not the first time Llorente's off-field activities have drawn attention. He has previously promoted the use of tinted glasses to combat artificial light and attended a costume party dressed as a bottle of sunscreen, a stunt he described as "protecting you against your biology." Two years ago, a cafe roastery brand he launched faced criticism for a logo that bore a striking resemblance to the symbol of the Nazi SS paramilitary organization.
The controversy emerges at a sensitive time for Atletico Madrid, who are engaged in a tight Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal. Llorente started the first leg in London, a 1-1 draw, and is expected to be a central figure in the decisive return match at the Metropolitano Stadium next week. His performances on the pitch remain highly valued by the club, where he has evolved from a defensive midfielder into a versatile attacking threat since his move from city rivals Real Madrid in 2019.
While his sporting contributions are not in doubt, his consistent public platforming of controversial views presents an ongoing challenge for Atletico's management, who must balance support for a key player with the club's public image. There is no indication from the club of any internal disciplinary action, and Llorente's status within the squad appears unaffected for the immediate future. His response suggests he has no intention of moderating his public statements, setting the stage for potential further friction as his profile continues to grow.
