Mbappe’s Walkout Criticised by Laporta After Barcelona’s Super Cup Triumph
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has criticised Kylian Mbappe for refusing to watch Barcelona lift the Spanish Super Cup trophy, after the French forward urged his Real Madrid teammates to leave the pitch.
One of the defining images of the final was Mbappe storming off to the dressing room, visibly frustrated, and calling on his teammates to follow him. While Real Madrid players formed a guard of honour for the medal ceremony, Mbappe chose not to witness Barcelona’s celebrations, a gesture that Laporta described as disappointing.
Speaking to RAC1, Laporta said:
“I was surprised by his actions. Players must show generosity and respect, whether in victory or defeat. This is sport, and normal behaviour is expected. We were generous in victory and respectful towards the opposing team. I simply cannot understand it.”
Laporta suggested the incident may have been influenced by the lingering tension from October’s Clasico, which Real Madrid won:
“There was a different dynamic after the league match, and the players were clearly agitated. I didn’t see Mbappe’s reaction on the pitch myself, but I can understand that they were frustrated in that moment.”
He added that Madrid may have overestimated their chances:
“They perhaps imagined they had a greater chance of winning, but they saw the reality on the pitch, and that can be hard to accept.”
Laporta praised Barcelona’s performance, noting their dominance:
“We played exceptionally well and controlled the match. Real Madrid could have threatened on the counter, but we were dominant and could have won by a larger margin.”
The president highlighted Ronald Araujo’s late introduction as a symbolic gesture:
“Flick and his coaching staff were sensitive in bringing Araujo on, so he could feel useful and captain again. It was a wonderful, emotional moment.”
Laporta also reaffirmed his faith in coach Hansi Flick:
“Hansi has a contract and will remain with us for many more seasons. He has a strong bond with the city and the club.”
On transfers, Laporta confirmed Joao Cancelo’s imminent arrival:
“Joao Cancelo will join the squad either Monday or Tuesday.”
Finally, he addressed Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future:
“He has a contract with us and is performing exceptionally well. Our goalkeeper position is covered, and as long as he’s happy, he will remain at the club.”