Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappé sparked a wave of controversy in international and Spanish sporting circles following his team's dramatic 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The match, held at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday evening, didn't end with the final whistle, but rather continued with significant tension during the trophy presentation.
Details of the controversial incident
Mbappé entered the match as a substitute in the 74th minute, replacing Gonzalo García. Coach Xabi Alonso opted not to start him due to his lack of match fitness following his recent recovery from a serious injury. According to press reports, specifically those revealed by the reliable Spanish journalist Alfredo Martínez on the "X" platform, Real Madrid players refused to form a guard of honor (pasillo) to greet the Barcelona players as they received the trophy. Martínez confirmed that this decision was not spontaneous, but rather came at the direct and firm instruction of Kylian Mbappé on the pitch, who spearheaded the refusal, adding a layer of tension to the final scene.
The guard of honor: A tradition that blends sportsmanship with historical sensitivity
The "guard of honor" is a long-standing tradition in Spanish football, where the losing or opposing team lines up to salute the winning team as a gesture of sportsmanship and recognition of their achievement. However, in recent years, particularly in El Clásico matches, this tradition has become a source of intense media and fan debate. Historically, the relationship between the two rivals has seen instances of mutual refusal to perform this act, with some viewing it as a form of footballing humiliation amidst the fierce competition, while others consider it a matter of protocol. Mbappé's recent gesture brings to mind similar past situations, confirming that the animosity between the two rivals extends far beyond the 90 minutes of play.
Tense atmosphere in Jeddah and endless competition
The podium in Jeddah witnessed a high-profile presence, including Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, and Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona. The Real Madrid players received their runners-up medals amidst an atmosphere of disappointment and dejection, before quickly leaving the pitch for the locker room without waiting for the Catalan team's acknowledgment – a scene that reflects the deep divide and fierce rivalry between the two clubs. This incident adds a new chapter of drama to the history of El Clásico matches and confirms that Saudi Arabia's hosting of such major events always places it at the heart of the global sporting scene, as the world's attention is focused on every detail of these footballing summits.
