Mbappé, the corridor that never was: the scandal that ignited the Clásico in the 2026 Super Cup

Spanish Super Cup 2026 – the lineup that never was

The 2026 Spanish Super Cup had everything it needed to make history even before the first whistle: a Clásico, the final in Saudi Arabia and Barcelona's 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah.

But once the match ended, attention shifted away from Raphinha and company's goals. The entire world saw one scene: Kylian Mbappé gesturing to his teammates to get off the pitch and not line up for Barcelona.

What exactly happened during the ceremony?

After receiving their second-place medals, cameras cut to Mbappé. The Frenchman looks at the rest of the team and, clearly irritated, gestures, "Let's get out of here."

Instead of staying on the pitch and applauding the champion – as is the tradition of a lane, or at least sporting respect during the ceremony – a large portion of Real Madrid's players head towards the tunnel.

The moment exploded on social media in minutes:

• for some it was an act of pride and a winning mentality,
• for others – complete disrespect for the opponent and the game itself.

Laporta enters the game

The issue became even more controversial when Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke out. In a radio interview, he admitted he was surprised by Mbappé's behavior and sent a clear message:

"In victory and defeat, you have to be magnanimous and respectful. This is sport, and you have to be able to behave normally."

The Catalan club recalls that in the past he himself was a defender for Real Madrid and that regardless of the result, the minimum requirement is to stay on the pitch and respect the opponent's celebrations.

Was it really Mbappé's decision?

This is where the narrative war begins.

Some Spanish media claim that it was Mbappé who pushed for the team to leave the pitch and that his teammates simply followed him.

Information leaking from Real Madrid's surroundings indicates that it was a "top-down" decision and part of the federation's protocol, and not the Frenchman's own initiative.

The fact is that in the recordings it is Mbappé who is in the centre of the frame – regardless of who formally made the decision, it is his image that goes around the world.

Context: Mbappé frustrated

It cannot be forgotten that Mbappé entered this final with a knee injury and was essentially forced into it, because it was an absolutely crucial match for Madrid.

• he only came on in the second half,
• he failed to turn the tide of the match,
• and for Real Madrid it was their third consecutive loss in the Super Cup final – and their second in a row to Barcelona.

In such a cocktail of emotions, it's easy to understand the frustration of a leader who has to watch his biggest rival celebrate the title... but this is where the fine line between sportsmanship and simply being angry at losing is drawn.

Pride or disrespect?

This is where the discussion becomes truly interesting for every fan.

Arguments for Mbappé:

• The espalier is not obligatory – it is a custom, not a regulation.
• The team is devastated after another defeat in the final, especially against the same opponent.
• Some fans see this gesture as a leader who wants to get his teammates back to the locker room as quickly as possible to focus on the future.

Arguments against:

• Football is also about the ability to fail gracefully.
• Millions of children watch scenes like this – the message is simple: if you lose, you can turn your back and leave.
• Legendary players from both clubs have repeatedly emphasized that respect for the opponent is above the result of a single match.

What does this mean for Mbappé's image?

Mbappé arrived at Madrid as a superstar and the natural successor to the number 7/10 shirt. Until now, he's received almost nothing but praise. However, episodes like these also begin to build another part of his story:

• for some madridistas he is a leader who does not accept defeat even in small gestures,
• for many fans outside Madrid, the image of a "star" who puts his ego above the rules of fair play is strengthened.

And in the Classic, every gesture, even the smallest, remains in the memory of both sides. This missing lineup will likely be remembered as often as some of the goals from the match itself.