Kylian Mbappé’s Shocking Move Before 2026 Spanish Super Cup Final Leaves Real Madrid Reeling

Kylian Mbappé’s name was notably missing from Real Madrid’s lineup in the tense 2026 Spanish Super Cup semifinal showdown with Atlético Madrid — not even a spot on the traveling squad bound for Saudi Arabia. The French phenom’s absence had tongues wagging, especially since Los Blancos powered through without their star striker and booked their ticket to the final. Now, as the buzz heightens about the impending clash with FC Barcelona, Mbappé’s next move looms large, potentially tipping the scales in one of Spanish football’s most riveting rivalries.

His absence wasn’t by choice — a pesky knee sprain in late December sidelined him, causing him to miss crucial games, including the season kickoff against Real Betis and the high-stakes Atlético semifinal. Yet, despite missing their leading scorer, Real Madrid kept their composure, inching closer to their season’s first silverware. The air now thick with anticipation, head coach Xabi Alonso recently hinted at positive news that could change the game’s complexion, revealing the forward is set to travel for the final — a development that’s sending shockwaves through the footballing world.

Mbappé stayed behind in Madrid, grinding alongside medical staff to recover swiftly, and word from the camp is upbeat — the lad’s feeling good, training hard, and ready to bite into the big stage once again. With the Spanish Super Cup final casting a long shadow over both clubs, and memories of last year’s dramatic 5-1 Barca comeback still fresh, Madrid’s hunger for redemption grows stronger by the day. Add Mbappé’s potential return into the mix, and this coming final shapes up to be a seismic event no fan will want to miss.

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Kylian Mbappé was Real Madrid’s most notable absence in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid, as he was not even included in the squad that traveled to Saudi Arabia. After securing qualification for the final, the French star has now made a key decision ahead of the showdown with FC Barcelona.

After suffering a knee sprain in late December, Mbappé was sidelined for Real Madrid’s start to 2026, missing both the opening league match against Real Betis and the semifinal against Atlético. Despite being without their top scorer, Los Blancos managed to advance and now sit one win away from lifting their first trophy of the season.

During his post-match press conference, head coach Xabi Alonso was asked whether repeating the performance against Atlético would be enough to claim the title, as well as about Mbappé’s availability. The Spanish manager delivered encouraging news: “Mbappé is traveling tomorrow, and the match will be different.”

Because of the injury, Mbappé was not named to the squad that initially traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. However, the French forward remained in Madrid working closely with the medical staff and has now completed his recovery, raising expectations of a timely return.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (L) celebrates a goal like Cristiano Ronaldo.

When asked directly about Mbappé’s condition and his chances of featuring in the final, Alonso was clear. “He’s much better. He has trained and the feeling is good. The chances? Well, like everyone else who’s in the squad, he has the same chances of being able to play,” he added.

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Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in the Spanish Super Cup final once again

The 2026 Spanish Super Cup final will be played on Sunday, January 11, with FC Barcelona advancing after a dominant 5-1 win over Athletic Club and Real Madrid following Thursday’s 2-1 victory against Atlético. This time around, Los Blancos will be eager to reverse the outcome of their most recent final meeting.

On January 12, 2025, Real Madrid and Barcelona also faced off in the Spanish Super Cup final. Mbappé scored in the fifth minute, but Barcelona mounted a stunning comeback with goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha (two), and Alejandro Balde to turn the match into a 5-1 rout. Rodrygo later added a free kick after Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off, closing the scoreline at 5-2.

Barcelona went on to dominate Spanish competition during the 2024-25 season, winning the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and La Liga at Real Madrid’s expense. Now, in Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge, Los Blancos will be looking to change the narrative, with Mbappé’s potential last-minute return providing a major boost ahead of the final.