Mbappé on the Edge: Real Madrid's Super Cup Final Gambit
7 January 2026
Status for the Final
Real Madrid have not ruled out the possibility of their French star Kylian Mbappé returning to play in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup final, should the team manage to beat Atlético Madrid in the semi-final.
Mbappé, 27, had missed the emphatic 5-1 victory over Real Betis due to a left knee sprain, and his absence was also confirmed for the Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid. His participation in the final remains in doubt, pending the evolution of his condition in the coming days.
Madrid's Plan and the Rising Prospect
He did not travel to Saudi Arabia, where the tournament is held, preferring to stay in Madrid to continue his rehab. In this context, the club kept its physiotherapists Sebastián Devilaez and Guillermo Zordo by his side to speed recovery and give him the best chance to feature in the final if the team advances.
According to sources at The Athletic, Mbappé's involvement in the final remains a floated option if Real Madrid successfully overcomes Atlético.
In Mbappé's absence, Gonzalo García, a homegrown academy graduate, has emerged as the leading candidate to spearhead Madrid's attack in the semi-final, after his impressive hat-trick against Real Betis.
Punchline 1: If Mbappé suits up, the trophy may need a bigger case. Punchline 2: If he stays in Madrid, at least his knees will get more press than the stadium lights.
