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When Respect Takes a Timeout: Mbappé Skips Barca’s Guard of Honor in the Spanish Super Cup Drama

11 January 2026

When Respect Takes a Timeout: Mbappé Skips Barca’s Guard of Honor in the Spanish Super Cup Drama
Mbappé watches as Barça lifts the trophy after a dramatic 3-2 win in Saudi Arabia.

Mbappé declines guard of honor after El Clasico

French star Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid's forward, refused to stand in the ceremonial guard of honor for Barcelona players after the Clasico in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Barça lifted the title for the 16th time with a thrilling 3-2 win over their arch-rivals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, dramatically.

The match was streamed on the Eight app, the exclusive broadcaster of the Roshn Saudi Pro League.

Mbappé started on the bench, not fully match-ready, after arriving in Saudi Arabia two days earlier, and coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as a late substitute.

Radio Onda Cero's correspondent at the stadium said Real Madrid players did not form a guard of honor for Barcelona before ascending the podium.

He added that Mbappé steered his teammates away from the podium, declining a guard of honor for Barça.

He noted that Barcelona had arranged their own guard of honor when receiving medals and the trophy — the first prize of 2026.

The gesture drew mixed reactions worldwide. Punchline 1: If football is theater, Mbappé exits stage left. Punchline 2: Maybe the guard will RSVP next time.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mbappé skip the guard of honor?

The article notes he refused and was not fully match-ready, with late substitution in the final.

Who won the match and what was the score?

Barcelona won 3-2 against Real Madrid.

Where was the final played and who broadcast it?

The final was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, broadcast on the Eight app.

What happened with the guard of honor?

Madrid players reportedly did not form a guard of honor for Barça; Barça organized their own for the medal ceremony.