Mauro Icardi has found himself at the center of attention once again, but this time it’s not for his performance on the pitch. Instead, the Argentine striker is engaged in a social media feud with none other than José Mourinho, the head coach of Fenerbahce, one of Galatasaray’s biggest rivals. The rivalry between the two clubs is well-established, and this recent online exchange adds a fiery element to an already heated competition in Turkish football.
The social media sparring began when Mourinho posted on Instagram about a controversial moment involving Davinson Sánchez, a Galatasaray defender, during a recent match against Gaziantep. In the match, Sánchez appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area, yet no penalty was awarded and the referee did not call for a VAR review, despite many feeling the incident warranted further scrutiny. Galatasaray narrowly won the game 1-0, but the controversial moment was far from forgotten.
Mourinho’s Instagram post contained a sarcastic remark about the incident. He congratulated Portugal for reaching the semifinals in a seemingly unrelated comment, but the tone suggested a subtle jab at the referees and the perceived inconsistencies in officiating decisions. The post included a nod to the handball incident, with Mourinho making a sarcastic comment about the “Handball” game, alluding to the controversial decisions that had occurred on the field.
Icardi, never one to shy away from confrontation, quickly responded on Instagram stories. His initial post was a cheeky reference to Mourinho’s famous “Special One” moniker, sharing a book titled “The Crying One.” The striker’s next post featured a snapshot of a handball incident involving Fenerbahce, accompanied by the words “Handball World Cup” and several laughing emojis. To further fuel the fire, Icardi shared a video showcasing a contentious foul he suffered in a previous derby, once again reminding fans of his valuable contributions to the team. Galatasaray currently leads the Turkish Super Lig with 57 points, six ahead of Fenerbahce, and Icardi is playing a key role in their success.
Off the pitch, Icardi’s future at Galatasaray is becoming uncertain. The forward, who signed a lucrative contract worth around $6.5 million per year until June 2026, is facing a lengthy recovery period following a serious injury that will sideline him for six months. This situation is complicated further by the recent signing of Álvaro Morata by Fenerbahce, which could put pressure on Icardi’s position at Galatasaray. As a result, there are whispers of growing discontent within Galatasaray’s management about his current predicament.
Despite the off-field drama, Icardi has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray. After spending time in Milan, he returned to Turkey last Saturday, sharing posts on social media to demonstrate his dedication to both the club and his recovery process. Yener Ince, the club’s medical director, addressed the situation, explaining the recovery timeline for Icardi’s injury. He stated that while similar injuries typically require 8 to 9 months of recovery, Icardi could potentially return in 6 months, though that would be a risky move. Ince reassured fans, noting that Icardi was working diligently on his rehabilitation, with daily communication between his doctor and the club to ensure a smooth recovery.
