Guard of Honor Snub Sparks Authority Clash – Viral Footage Shows Mbappé Urging Teammates to Walk Off After Super Cup Defeat.

Xabi Alonso, Kylian Mbappé

In the dramatic aftermath of Real Madrid‘s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 11, 2026, new reports highlight a tense post-match incident involving Kylian Mbappé that may have played a key role in Xabi Alonso‘s swift exit from the club less than 24 hours later.

Multiple sources and viral footage indicate that Alonso instructed his players to form a traditional guard of honor (pasillo) for the victorious Barcelona side during the trophy presentation. However, Mbappé — visibly frustrated after the loss — allegedly urged his teammates to walk off the pitch instead, overriding the coach’s directive.

Kylian Mbappé guard of honor snub

Footage from the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah shows Alonso attempting to rally his squad for the gesture of respect, only for Mbappé to gesture and speak to teammates, leading most to disperse toward the tunnel. Alonso eventually followed, abandoning the plan.

Insiders describe Alonso viewing this as a “direct challenge” to his authority — a moment that felt “undermined to a point of no return.” Coming amid existing reports of dressing-room tensions (including with players like Vinicius Jr.), the incident reportedly left the former Bayer Leverkusen boss feeling he could no longer lead effectively.

Mbappé, who came off the bench late in the game due to fitness concerns, collected his runners-up medal after Barcelona’s guard of honor for Madrid but did not reciprocate. Barcelona president Joan Laporta later criticized the move as “surprising” and lacking sportsmanship.

Alonso departed by mutual agreement on January 12, 2026, after just seven months and 34 matches (24 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses). The club promoted Álvaro Arbeloa from Castilla as interim head coach. Official statements praised Alonso as a “legend,” but reports point to ongoing issues with player power, tactical disagreements, and lack of full support from the hierarchy.

“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you & learn from you. Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1. I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

This episode underscores the intense pressures at Real Madrid, where star influence can sometimes eclipse managerial vision. The guard of honor snub has fueled debates about respect, authority, and the dressing-room dynamic.