Mbappé's telling gesture after Super Cup final defeat shows winning mentality
The French star signalled for Real Madrid teammates to head straight for the dressing room after receiving runners-up medals, avoiding Barcelona's celebrations.
Kylian Mbappé showed his competitive nature with a telling reaction after Real Madrid’s Supercopa de España final defeat to Barcelona.
Quick exit strategy
The French forward made his feelings crystal clear after receiving his runners-up medal at the trophy ceremony in Saudi Arabia. Rather than hang about while Barcelona lifted the trophy, Mbappé gestured unmistakably to his Madrid teammates that they should scarper down the tunnel and back to the changing room.
While several of Los Blancos players remained on the pitch during Barça’s celebrations, Mbappé was having none of it. The summer signing wanted no part in watching their rivals’ moment of glory after the traditional post-match guard of honour had been completed.
Limited impact
It wasn’t the evening Mbappé had hoped for on several levels. The Frenchman had arrived in Jeddah carrying a knee problem and only managed one proper training session before the final. Despite this setback, he was deemed fit enough for the bench but could only influence proceedings for the final 14 minutes of the contest.
During his brief cameo, there were glimpses of what might have been - including a clever through ball to Arda Güler that created one of Madrid’s clearest opportunities of the match.
Final frustrations mounting
This defeat marks another disappointing final for Mbappé since his high-profile move to the Spanish capital. It’s now the third final he’s participated in with Los Blancos, and his record makes for grim reading:
- Started on the bench in two of those three finals
- Lost the 2025 Copa del Rey final (also as a substitute)
- Still searching for his first major domestic trophy with Madrid
His reaction suggests a player who isn’t just disappointed but properly gutted about missing another chance at silverware. For a player who moved to Madrid with dreams of adding to his trophy cabinet, watching Barcelona celebrate was clearly a bridge too far.
The loss will sting, but Madrid fans will appreciate a player who can’t stand losing - a mentality that suggests he won’t rest until he’s the one lifting trophies rather than watching others do so.