Kylian Mbappe slammed for 'classless' move just before Xabi Alonso firing

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe failed to participate in Barcelona's guard of honor after the Spanish Super Cup final defeat, with fans calling the French striker's behavior 'classless'

Kylian Mbappe has faced criticism for his behavior on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

Video footage has surfaced appearing to show Kylian Mbappe encouraging his Real Madrid colleagues NOT to provide Barcelona with a guard of honor after the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

Despite coming on as a second-half substitute during the final, Madrid's star player Mbappe was unable to prevent Barcelona from securing a 3-2 win. Within 24 hours of that loss, former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso was fired as manager of the Spanish team.

This was also another blow for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed out on his first piece of silverware at Madrid. The former Liverpool vice-captain has faced plenty of adversity since running down his Anfield contract to force a move to Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold has suffered two lengthy injuries and struggled to nail down a spot in Alonso's starting XI this season.

The 27-year-old has also been dropped from the England squad and seems unlikely to play at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Although the defender didn't play on Sunday due to injury, he did receive a runner-up medal.

Alexander-Arnold would've received his first winner's medal had Madrid beaten Barcelona. A brace from Raphinha and a goal from Robert Lewandowski ensured Barcelona retained the title, having previously thrashed Real 5-2 in last season's final.

Mbappe and Real Madrid missed out on a trophy on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

Coupled with the 2025 Spanish Cup final, Hansi Flick's players have now triumphed over Madrid in three successive cup finals.

A visibly frustrated Mbappe, 27, collected his runner-up medal after being given a guard of honor by Barcelona, but the Frenchman was not inclined to reciprocate. As his teammates prepared to descend from the podium and form two lines, either side of Barca's players, Mbappe could be seen appearing to gesture for them to disperse.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward persuaded them to disregard Barcelona. Once the footage began circulating online, fans were quick to criticise Mbappe for his actions. "Disgraceful behavior," one user posted on X. "Classless," another chimed in.

Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, also took aim at Mbappe's conduct. "I'm surprised by what he did. In victory and defeat, you have to be generous and respectful," Laporta told RAC-1. "This is sport, and you have to behave normally. I think that in our victory, we were generous and respectful of the opposing team. That's why I can't understand it."

Mbappe came off the bench in the 76th minute, having only touched down in Saudi Arabia following the team's semifinal triumph over Atletico Madrid on Thursday, as he continued his recovery from a knee injury.

Alonso brought him on shortly after Raphinha's deflected strike handed Barcelona the lead for the third time.

Mbappe and his teammates will be looking to exact revenge on Barcelona later this campaign. Madrid currently trails Barca by four points in the La Liga standings, with El Clasico next due to take place at the Camp Nou in May.

Meanwhile, both clubs remain in the Spanish Cup and the Champions League. Although they frequently clash in domestic cups, it's been a good 15 years since their last encounter in Europe's top-tier competition.