Eric García, Barcelona defender and Spain World Cup winner, has been photographed driving a Mercedes-AMG G63 to training after leaving his Cupra behind despite the club's sponsorship deal. The centre-back has joined a growing trend among teammates who are opting for luxury SUVs over the Spanish brand provided through their partnership. fixtures shows Spain preparing for upcoming qualifiers toward the 2026 World Cup.

Why did Eric García swap his Cupra for a Mercedes? Although Barcelona has an agreement with Cupra allowing players to use their vehicles annually, it does not require exclusivity. García, like others, has used this freedom to choose a car he prefers. The Mercedes-AMG G63 features a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine producing 585 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h. As reported by the original outlet, this blend of power and luxury has made it a standout choice.

Which other players have followed this trend? Marcos Llorente was among the first to break from his club’s sponsor, seen training in a Ferrari 812 Superfast instead of a Hyundai linked to Atlético Madrid. At Barcelona, Gavi and Raphinha have also been spotted with the same Mercedes model. Marc Pubill previously drove a bright green version of the G63, indicating this vehicle is becoming a popular pick among players for its road presence and versatility across terrains.

What does the Mercedes-AMG G63 offer a player like Eric García? Beyond its explosive acceleration, the SUV offers comfort with dimensions of 1.9 metres in height and 4.8 metres in length, ideal for athletes who value space. The high torque ensures strong performance on various surfaces, while the luxurious interior and advanced technology add appeal beyond pure performance. With a starting price of €223,000, it ranks among the most exclusive SUVs on the market, attainable due to the high earnings in professional football.

What does this mean for his relationship with Cupra? Nothing contractually: the Barcelona-Cupra agreement does not forbid players from driving other brands. García has simply exercised his freedom to try a different option, at least for now. He can alternate between this Mercedes and his Cupra Terramar VZ e-HYBRID, selected at the start of the season. The choice reflects personal preference, not a conflict with the sponsor. Spain’s next fixture, available on our squad, will show whether he continues with this choice upon returning to training.