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Is Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs Barcelona In the Spanish Super Cup Final?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 8:00 AM ET

Barcelona will play Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final this Sunday, Jan. 11, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The focus is on the availability of Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona reached the final after a 5-0 win over Athletic Club on Jan. 7, while Real Madrid advanced with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Jan. 8.

Barcelona is the defending champion and record 15-time winner of the competition, whereas Real Madrid has 13 titles. The most recent league meeting between the sides ended 2-1 for Real Madrid on Oct. 26, 2025.

Mbappe, 27, has kept the press busy as he recently recovered from a knee injury. His return to Xabi Alonso's squad, however, renewed hope for Madrid's fans.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the LaLiga EA Sports football match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, on December 20, 2025.Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Will Kylian Mbappe Play in the Barcelona vs Real Madrid Match?

There is no definitive answer, but Mbappe will probably get playing time against Barcelona, even if he does not start.

L'Equipe reported that the Frenchman has a great chance of participating in the game, but mentioned that the player himself, although motivated, does not want to take any risks. Everything will depend on how he feels.

According to the same outlet, Real Madrid even offered Mbappe a painkiller injection. The plan would be for him to play against Barcelona in the Super Cup final, but then rest him in the next two matches against Albacete and Levante.

On the other hand, the Spanish portal Defensa Central reported that Mbappe trained with the ball on Saturday, which is a positive sign.

The same website explained that if he plays, there are two options: either he starts and plays for about an hour if he gets medical clearance, or he comes on for the last 30 minutes of the match.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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