Madrid, Spain — In a week already filled with Champions League drama, Real Madrid fans were blindsided by a very unexpected twist — and it didn’t come from the pitch.
Shalimar Heppner, long-time girlfriend of Real Madrid defender David Alaba, sparked a frenzy online after posting a now-viral Instagram story declaring:
“If Los Blancos reverse the situation and reach the semi-finals, I will be naked. Mark my words. ”
The story was accompanied by a winking emoji and a selfie that many fans found just as bold as the statement itself.
The post, made just hours after Real Madrid suffered a tough first-leg defeat in the Champions League quarterfinals, spread like wildfire. Within minutes, #AlabaGF started trending on social media across Spain, with fans and media personalities reacting with a mix of shock, humor, and disbelief.
Inside the Real Madrid dressing room, the reaction was reportedly “half laughter, half disbelief.” According to sources close to the team, several players joked that “Alaba now has extra motivation to win — or extra explaining to do.”
David Alaba himself, known for his composure on and off the pitch, wasn’t exactly thrilled by the sudden viral fame. According to Marca, he immediately called Shalimar to ask for clarification.
“He was caught completely off guard,” a team insider said. “He wasn’t angry, just confused and maybe a little red-faced. He asked her what on Earth she meant, and whether she realized what she just triggered.”
Fans flooded the comments of Shalimar’s social media accounts with a mix of encouragement and disbelief — some even jokingly said she might be the “true MVP of the comeback.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the viral moment in a post-training press conference. With a raised eyebrow and a smirk, he said:
“We focus on football here. But if it helps motivate the players… who am I to stop it?”
As for whether she’ll follow through on her bold declaration — that remains to be seen. What’s certain, however, is that Los Blancos now have millions of extra eyes watching their next Champions League match… and not just for the football.
