Mbappé Blocks Real Madrid Honour Gesture

Real Madrid endured a second consecutive defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that has left the club in a state of embarrassment. Yet, the post-match controversy extended beyond the disappointment of defeat. Following the final whistle, Real Madrid players declined to accord the customary “guard of honour” to the Super Cup winners, a decision that sparked widespread criticism. Video footage from the match clearly shows Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé instructing his teammates not to participate in the traditional gesture of respect.

Mbappé, who was not fully fit due to a knee injury, did not start the match under coach Xabi Alonso. Gonzalo García took his place in the starting eleven. The French forward was introduced after the interval but was unable to change the course of the game. In the closing stages, he did win a foul that led to a red card for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong in the 90th minute. Despite this, Barcelona ultimately triumphed 3-2 in Jeddah.

Following the final whistle, a dramatic scene unfolded. According to Spanish football custom, the losing side typically lines up to applaud the victors, a ceremony known as the paseo or guard of honour. Coach Xabi Alonso reportedly wished for his players to pay tribute to Barcelona, but Mbappé appeared visibly frustrated. Footage from Spanish outlet Esport3 shows the forward gesturing to teammates to retreat towards the dugout. Even when young defender Raúl Asensio moved forward to prepare the honour, Mbappé’s expression communicated clear irritation, as if to indicate, “Now is not the time.”

For Mbappé, this marked his third consecutive final loss in the Real Madrid jersey, perhaps explaining his heightened frustration. Cameras captured him instructing teammates not to form the line for the ceremonial gesture after receiving their runners-up medals. Ultimately, none of the Real Madrid players gave Barcelona the traditional honour, adhering to Mbappé’s directive.

Social media has erupted with criticism, particularly from Barcelona supporters, many of whom labelled the behaviour “unsportsmanlike.” Barcelona-based outlet Barça Times highlighted that while Barcelona had previously accorded Real Madrid a guard of honour, the gesture was not reciprocated, attributing the decision primarily to Mbappé. The publication described the incident as “highly distasteful.”

Match Summary:

The episode has generated intense debate within football circles, raising questions about sportsmanship and the responsibilities of star players in high-profile matches. Mbappé’s actions, while reflecting his frustration at a third successive final loss, have clearly overshadowed the sporting spectacle in Jeddah.