Journalist Alfredo Martínez of Onda Cero confirmed that Kylian Mbappé did not prevent Real Madrid players from forming a guard of honor for Barcelona before they lifted the 2026 Spanish Super Cup trophy.
Cameras had captured Mbappé urging Real Madrid players to leave the pitch immediately after receiving their silver medals and not to acknowledge the Barcelona players or watch them lift the trophy, contrary to the usual custom in such circumstances.
Mbappé’s actions sparked considerable anger, culminating in statements from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who demanded that the French international be “respectful” and show sportsmanship by honoring his opponent, even if he lost the title.
According to Martínez, he contacted Real Madrid’s management to ascertain the truth about Mbappé’s actions, and the response was that the 25-year-old had no involvement in the events that transpired after the match.
Real Madrid clarified that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) requested they move to a different location due to the angle of the trophy presentation ceremony, which prevented the traditional guard of honor, and not because of any anger or request from Mbappé.
Catalan media outlets ridiculed Real Madrid’s response, asserting that it was baseless and that the RFEF had not intervened at all. They maintained that the decision was based on the wishes of the Real Madrid players and staff in general, and Mbappé in particular.
It’s worth noting that Barcelona won the 2026 Spanish Super Cup for the sixteenth time in their history after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in their second consecutive final in Jeddah. They had previously defeated Real Madrid 5-2 in the 2025 edition at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Shining Jewel).
