Mbappe criticised after Super Cup snub in El Clasico defeat
A tense ending to a familiar rivalry
The Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia delivered another dramatic chapter in El Clasico, with Barcelona edging Real Madrid 3,2 at King Abdullah Sport City. While the match itself provided plenty of talking points, the focus quickly shifted to events after the final whistle.
Real Madrid’s defeat under head coach Xabi Alonso added to a challenging period for the club, while Barcelona continued the momentum built during their domestic treble last season. As celebrations began, an expected show of respect between the teams never fully materialised.
The moment that drew attention
According to Forbes, Xabi Alonso initially asked his players to take part in a non obligatory guard of honour as Barcelona stepped forward to collect their medals. However, journalist Alfredo Martinez later reported that Kylian Mbappe led his teammates away from the pitch and toward the dugout instead.
Television footage appeared to show Mbappe exchanging heated words with a teammate and reacting angrily toward Raul Asencio, who seemed willing to participate in the gesture. Martinez later described the incident on X as an “ugly” and “inexplicable” act.
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Additional images showed Mbappe walking off the pitch before the trophy presentation had concluded, reinforcing the perception of visible frustration.
Reaction spreads quickly online
The response on social media was immediate. Several users criticised Mbappe’s behaviour, with one calling it a “loser mentality” and another describing him as a “sore loser.”
Others were more blunt in their assessment. One post labelled the moment “absolutely classless,” while another described it as “disgusting.” A widely shared comment claimed that Mbappe’s actions reflected a lack of humility in both victory and defeat.
Context behind the frustration
Some observers suggested that Mbappe’s fierce competitiveness was the driving force behind his reaction. Others pointed to an earlier challenge from Frenkie de Jong, which occurred shortly after Mbappe’s return from injury, as a possible source of lingering anger.
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According to reporting referenced by Alfredo Martinez, the challenge may have heightened Mbappe’s emotional response during an already tense occasion, though no official explanation has been offered by the player or the club.
Spotlight on leadership and expectations
The episode has placed Mbappe under renewed scrutiny at Real Madrid, where standards for behaviour are often as high as expectations on the pitch. While the club will now turn its attention back to La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points, the Super Cup final has ensured that questions about leadership, temperament, and example remain part of the wider conversation.
Sources: GiveMeSport, Forbes, reporting by Alfredo Martinez, X
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