Marcos Llorente faces criticism over controversial health claims

Atlético de Madrid footballer Marcos Llorente has drawn criticism for making controversial statements regarding scientific consensus on health and sun protection. With a social media following of 2.8 million on Instagram, Llorente has used his platform to question the necessity of sunscreen, suggesting instead a “coherent relationship with the sun” through gradual exposure from dawn to prepare the skin.

His comments, including those made on the television program El Hormiguero, have prompted a response from the Spanish Association of Scientific Communication (AEC). The association has requested a rectification from the broadcaster, expressing concern over the influence of his discourse, which blends personal experience with a skepticism toward dermatological and oncological evidence.