Zero class
Spain in Uproar: Mbappé's 'Ugly' Gesture After Real Madrid's Super Cup Loss to Barcelona
This shocking unsportsmanlike doesn't suit Mbappe at all. Let's hope this is the last such incident we see, and that he remembers that being classy is just as important as the game.
Barcelona secured their second consecutive Spanish Super Cup title and 16th overall with a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final held in Saudi Arabia on January 11, 2026.
However, the post-match spotlight shifted to Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, who faced widespread criticism for an alleged "ugly" and "classless" gesture during Barcelona's celebrations, as reported by Ynet.
According to reports, Mbappé was seen gesturing to his teammates to leave the pitch and head to the locker rooms as Barcelona players lifted the trophy, effectively preventing Real Madrid from forming the traditional "guard of honor" for the winners.
While Barcelona had applauded Real Madrid during their medal collection, the Blancos did not reciprocate. Spanish journalist Alfredo Martínez described the act as "an ugly gesture, inexplicable," noting that Mbappé appeared to take the lead in the quick exit.
Media outlets condemned the move as unsportsmanlike, with some accusing Real Madrid of a broader "lack of class."
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in 2024, came on as a substitute in the second half after being managed carefully due to a knee injury.
He played just 14 minutes, providing one notable assist but failing to make a significant impact in his third final loss to Barcelona since arriving at the club.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso downplayed the defeat post-match, urging his team to "turn the page quickly" and focus on upcoming challenges, describing the Super Cup as one of their less critical competitions.
Alonso congratulated Barcelona, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the game.
On the winning side, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hailed Brazilian winger Raphinha as the match hero after his brace, including the opener and the winner, alongside Robert Lewandowski's goal.
Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia scored for Real Madrid, but it wasn't enough to halt Barcelona's dominance. Flick praised Raphinha's "unbelievable mentality" and intensity, noting how his performance inspired the team despite an early miss.
Raphinha has been in exceptional form against Real Madrid, netting seven goals and adding three assists in his last six Clásicos.
Since returning from injury in late November 2025, he has scored eight goals in 10 games.The victory extended Barcelona's impressive streak to 10 consecutive wins across all competitions and marked their third straight final triumph over Real Madrid, including two Super Cups and a Copa del Rey.
Combined with last season's league title, it represents four major Spanish trophies in a row for the Catalans under Flick. Raphinha credited the coach for his resurgence, saying Flick's arrival changed everything when he was "one foot out the door," providing the appreciation and confidence needed to excel.
Ynet contributed to this article.