King without manners: Mbappe pulled players away from Barca’s guard of honour

Kylian Mbappe has found himself at the center of controversy following Real Madrid’s painful 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with claims that he played a key role in denying their fierce rivals a traditional guard of honour. Custom dictates that the defeated finalists acknowledge the winners, yet that gesture never materialised as Barcelona prepared to lift the trophy.

Footage from the touchline appeared to show Mbappe motioning for his Real Madrid teammates to disperse rather than form a line for Barca’s procession. While the Catalans applauded as Madrid collected their runners-up medals, the courtesy was not returned. Instead, Los Blancos drifted away, chatting among themselves as Barcelona celebrated their triumph.

The French forward, recently back from injury, was visibly frustrated after the final whistle. Known for his relentless competitiveness, Mbappe has rarely hidden his emotions in defeat — most notably after losing the 2022 World Cup final to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Doubts had surrounded his availability even before kickoff in Saudi Arabia, as the 27-year-old had been managing a knee problem. Despite travelling to Jeddah, he was left on the bench until late in the match, eventually entering the fray in the 76th minute with Real already chasing the scoreline. His brief cameo failed to change the outcome, adding to his evident disappointment at full time.

Another El Clasico, another thriller and another Barca win

Head coach Xabi Alonso later explained the decision to limit Mbappe’s involvement, stressing that the intensity of the occasion played a part. “He wasn’t ready to start with the level of intensity the game demanded, which is why we chose that approach,” Alonso said. “The plan was to bring Kylian on just before we conceded the third goal.”

For Mbappe, it was a night that ended without silverware — and without any appetite to acknowledge Barcelona’s celebrations.