‘Must Have Been Really Upset’ – Barcelona Chief Joan Laporta Takes Aim at Kylian Mbappe After Seething Real Madrid Star Stopped Team-Mates From Performing Supercopa Guard of Honour

Laporta Slams Mbappe’s Sportsmanship Following Barcelona’s 3-2 Victory in Saudi Arabia

Barcelona president Joan Laporta did not mince his words when reflecting on Kylian Mbappe’s controversial actions after the Spanish Super Cup final. The French forward, a talisman for Real Madrid, was spotted urging his teammates to leave the pitch immediately after the final whistle, seemingly refusing to participate in the customary guard of honour for the winners. Laporta described the behaviour as “surprising” and a clear departure from sportsmanship, suggesting that the 3-2 defeat in Jeddah left Los Blancos “really upset” as they struggled to come to terms with Barcelona’s superiority.

The drama didn’t end with the final whistle in Saudi Arabia. While the match itself was a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat El Clasico with Barcelona lifting the trophy, the post-game scenes made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Mbappe, who had risked aggravating a long-standing knee problem to appear in the final, was visibly frustrated as he collected his runner-up medal. Instead of staying for the trophy presentation or showing respect to the victors, he gestured sharply for his colleagues to leave the field. The incident has since sparked debate across Spain, with many condemning the lack of decorum from the Real Madrid star.

A Sour End to a Thrilling Supercopa

Sunday’s El Clasico in Jeddah was billed as a spectacle, and it delivered in full. Barcelona emerged as 3-2 winners after a pulsating game, reclaiming the Supercopa de España and asserting their current dominance over their arch-rivals. However, the victory was tinged with controversy due to the behaviour of Real Madrid’s star forward.

Mbappe’s decision to leave the field early prevented what would have been a traditional gesture of respect—a guard of honour for the champions. Such moments are often symbolic, underlining mutual respect even in fierce rivalries, but the Frenchman’s actions broke from this unwritten code. Laporta, speaking to RAC-1, was forthright in his assessment.

“I was surprised by what he did,” Laporta admitted. “In victory and in defeat, you have to be generous and respectful. This is sport, and you must maintain normal behaviour. I believe that we, in victory, were generous and respected the opposing team. That is why I cannot understand it.”

Laporta Calls for Respect on the Pitch

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid: Spanish Super Cup

Laporta’s criticism is rooted in a wider philosophy of fair play and respect for the game. The Barcelona president emphasised that sportsmanship should not be abandoned, even in moments of disappointment or frustration. His comments come against a backdrop of increasingly heated El Clasico encounters, where tension between the two clubs has escalated in recent years.

Reflecting on the context of the match, Laporta noted that Real Madrid may have carried residual frustration from their earlier league encounter at the Bernabeu, which Barcelona lost. “There was a different edge since the league match, and the players were a bit stung,” he said. “It’s understandable. The truth is that I didn’t see that specific moment of Mbappe on the pitch live, but I understand that it must have been a difficult time. They must have been really upset, and that’s why they reacted that way.”

This acknowledgment of the emotional pressures on the players adds nuance to Laporta’s criticism. While he condemns the unsportsmanlike gesture, he also recognises the intense rivalry and high stakes involved, where disappointment can sometimes spill over.

Frustration Born from Inferiority

Perhaps the most revealing part of Laporta’s analysis was his suggestion that Mbappe’s actions stemmed not merely from frustration at losing, but from the realisation that Barcelona were the better side that day. Many observers had predicted that Real Madrid would have the upper hand heading into the final, but on the pitch, it was the Catalans who dictated the game and ultimately lifted the trophy.

“They imagined we had a better chance of winning this game, but they saw it for themselves on the pitch, and that, in the end, is tough. You see what happens,” Laporta added. The implication is clear: frustration over inferiority, not just disappointment, influenced Mbappe’s behaviour.

Mbappe’s Personal Gamble Backfires

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid: Spanish Super Cup

For Mbappe, the evening was far from ideal. The 27-year-old, coming off a knee injury, entered the match with just 15 minutes remaining, desperate to make an impact and claim a first major final victory over Barcelona with Real Madrid. His effort to push through injury underscores his commitment, yet the result was bitter.

Despite his dedication, the Frenchman was unable to alter the outcome. His image standing at the edge of the pitch, seemingly discouraging teammates from giving a guard of honour, has become emblematic of Real Madrid’s defeat—a symbol of frustration boiling over into perceived disrespect.

Psychological Implications for Real Madrid

The ramifications of this episode could extend beyond a single match. Barcelona now not only hold the Supercopa trophy but also have the psychological advantage, leading Real Madrid by four points in La Liga and carrying momentum into future fixtures. Laporta’s public comments reinforce the message that moral and psychological strength is as vital as technical prowess in Spanish football.

For Real Madrid, and Mbappe specifically, the challenge now is to channel disappointment constructively rather than allowing resentment to fester. The star forward’s actions have sparked debate about professionalism, leadership, and the responsibilities of high-profile athletes in high-pressure situations.

The Importance of Sportsmanship in El Clasico

El Clasico has always been more than just a football match—it is a cultural phenomenon, a clash of identities, histories, and passions. In this context, gestures like the guard of honour carry weight, symbolising respect across fierce rivalries. Mbappe’s refusal, intentional or not, disrupted this tradition and drew sharp criticism from both rivals and neutral observers.

Laporta’s critique can be seen as a broader statement about the values Barcelona wishes to project: generosity in victory, composure in defeat, and respect for opponents. These principles are particularly important in high-stakes encounters where tempers run high and emotions can dominate rational behaviour.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles on the Saudi Supercopa, all eyes turn to the coming La Liga fixtures and potential Champions League clashes. Real Madrid must recover quickly from both the psychological and physical toll of the defeat, while Mbappe will need to demonstrate leadership and maturity if he is to avoid similar controversies in the future.

For Barcelona, the win is both a trophy and a statement. Beyond the silverware, the manner in which they conducted themselves in victory reinforces their brand of professionalism and respect, giving Laporta the moral high ground in the ongoing rivalry.

In the end, this episode serves as a reminder that football is not only about goals and trophies but also about how players handle triumph and adversity. Mbappe’s moment of frustration may be remembered as a cautionary tale, while Barcelona’s composed celebrations underline the enduring importance of sportsmanship at the very top level of the game.