Google Maps Stadium Names Altered in Cyberattack on Spanish Clubs

Several of Spain's most famous football stadiums saw their names changed on Google Maps following a cyberattack targeting La Liga giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.

Details of the Stadium Name Changes

Users searching for Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Spotify Camp Nou, or Riyadh Air Metropolitano encountered altered stadium names inserted by hackers. Real Madrid’s stadium was labeled with names such as 'Mbappe Dictator' and 'Tchouameni's Knockout,' the latter alluding to a reported conflict between midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and teammate Fede Valverde. Another altered name for the Bernabeu was 'Barcelona Training Ground.'

Barcelona’s stadium was renamed 'Negreira,' a nod to former Spanish refereeing chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. Atletico Madrid’s venue was called 'Antarctica,' referencing perceptions of the club’s lack of intensity under coach Diego Simeone and their difficulties in major finals.

How the Hack Was Executed and Public Reaction

Hackers appear to have exploited vulnerabilities or editing tools on Google Maps to make the changes. The altered names initially did not appear; users first saw the correct stadium names but noticed the changes after zooming in. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the cyberattack.

Fans took to social media to highlight the incident, sharing screenshots of the modified stadium names. The prank drew attention amid ongoing tensions and challenges within the clubs.

Context of Internal Tensions at Real Madrid

The reference to 'Tchouameni's Knockout' relates to reports of unrest between players at Real Madrid during a difficult season. The club dismissed manager Xabi Alonso months into his tenure, with interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa unable to reverse the team’s fortunes.

Premier Sports commentator Terry Gibson commented on the situation, stating, “It’s not great that they’re fighting amongst each other. I have seen that on a number of occasions, I was involved in it with teammates over the years, but it was normally resolved within minutes.” He added that the ongoing dispute over two days was unusual and that the lack of trophies magnified internal issues, especially contrasted with Barcelona’s smoother season.

A hacked Google Maps display showing the words 'Mbappe Dictator' in Spanish