BREAKING NEWS: Kylian Mbappé Lauds Barcelona Defender’s Exceptional Performance in Copa del Rey Final

In a remarkable turn of events following Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, striker Kylian Mbappé has publicly praised a Barcelona defender for his outstanding performance. Despite the defeat, Mbappé acknowledged the defender’s exceptional skills and work ethic.​

The Match Overview

The Copa del Rey final, held on April 26, 2025, at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, was a thrilling encounter between the two Spanish giants. Barcelona emerged victorious with a decisive goal in extra time, securing their 32nd Copa del Rey title. The match was marked by intense competition and standout performances from both teams.​

Mbappé’s Praise

Following the match, Kylian Mbappé took to social media to commend the Barcelona defender’s performance. He stated, “Ever since I joined Real Madrid, I have never for once played against such a brilliant player like him. He gave us a tough time; despite the fact that we played our best, he didn’t give us a chance to win.” This statement highlights the defender’s exceptional skills and the challenges he posed to Real Madrid’s attack.​

The Defender’s Identity

While Mbappé did not explicitly name the defender, sources indicate that it was Jules Koundé, Barcelona’s French center-back, who delivered the standout performance. Koundé has been praised for his defensive prowess and ability to neutralize top attacking talents. In the final, he was instrumental in containing Real Madrid’s forwards, including Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.​

Implications for Real Madrid

Mbappé’s acknowledgment of Koundé’s performance underscores the challenges Real Madrid faced in the final. Despite their best efforts, the team’s attack was thwarted by Koundé’s exceptional defensive display. This highlights the need for Real Madrid to strengthen their offensive strategies in future encounters.​

Conclusion

Kylian Mbappé’s praise for Jules Koundé serves as a testament to the high level of competition in Spanish football. As both teams prepare for their next encounters, the spotlight remains on the defensive strategies that can effectively counteract the attacking threats posed by players like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.​

Further Reading on the Copa del Rey Final