The [Spanish Super Cup triumph of FC Barcelona](https://semprebarca.com/raphinha-9-0-frenkie-de-jong-8-5-barcelona-3-2-real-madrid-player-ratings/) in Jeddah had everything an El Clasico final promises: tension, quality, drama, and ultimately, silverware heading back to the Blaugrana camp. The night was framed by rivalry, but also by shared and often unwritten customs that traditionally accompany finals, even between the fiercest of enemies.
As the final whistle blew and the result was confirmed, Barcelona’s players did what is expected at this level. They lined up to form a guard of honour for the runners-up, acknowledging their opponents’ defeat with dignity and reinforcing the idea that football, even at its most hostile, has a code.
It was a moment that briefly softened the edge of rivalry, reminding everyone watching that respect still has a place on the biggest stages. What followed, however, shifted the tone of what we consider proper sportsmanship.
As Barcelona prepared to receive their medals and lift the trophy, several Real Madrid players failed to reciprocate the gesture. According to footage from the ceremony via [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20260111/1002599724/gesto-mal-perdedor-mbappe-pidio-companeros-aplaudir-campeon-barca.html), Kylian Mbappé, who had featured only in the final stages of the match, was seen on multiple occasions urging his teammates not to applaud the champions and to leave the podium area. The instructions were clear, repeated, and visible for everyone to see.
The reaction among Barcelona supporters inside the Alinma Stadium was immediate. Whistles and disbelief accompanied the moment, not because Madrid lost but because the Frenchman’s response felt unnecessary.
Some Madrid players ignored the signal and showed restraint, offering applause or remaining respectfully present. Others followed Mbappe’s lead and walked away like sore losers.
From a Barcelona perspective, the contrast was striking. One side acknowledged the occasion. The other appeared unwilling to accept it. This is not about demanding courtesy from a rival. El Clásicos thrive on tension and antagonism, but finals are also about how teams handle defeat.
Barcelona know this well; they have been on both sides of painful losses, particularly in recent years. Applauding an opponent does not erase disappointment, but it does reflect maturity and sportsmanship in the right spirit.
Mbappe’s gesture felt less like competitive fire and more like frustration spilling into the wrong moment. For a player of his stature, one expected to define eras rather than moments, leadership is not only shown in goals or dribbles, but in conduct when things do not go your way.
Ironically, the episode only reinforced Barcelona’s position on the night. They won on the scoreboard, controlled the narrative, and upheld the traditions of the occasion. Madrid left empty-handed and visibly unsettled.
Trophies fade into cabinets and behaviour lingers longer. On this night in Jeddah, Barcelona did not just lift silverware; they carried themselves like champions.