“we don’t play with the coat of arms”, Mbappé’s celebration gets people talking in Spain

Kylian Mbappé celebrated his magnificent goal against Celta Vigo (5-2) on Thursday by showing the Real Madrid crest before waving his finger at the public, interpreted by the press as a way of regretting the whistles before the match.

Kylian Mbappé confirmed his current excellent form on Thursday during Real Madrid’s sluggish victory against Celta Vigo (5-2) in the Copa del Rey. The French striker opened the scoring after a rush concluded with a powerful strike from the left from a tight angle (37th). He celebrated this goal by firmly holding the club crest on his jersey before staring at the crowd and making the “no” sign with his index finger while saying some words that were difficult to perceive.

Ancelotti did not understand the celebration

For some Madrid media, this gesture would be a response to the whistles from the Bernabeu public against Aurélien Tchouaméni and Carlo Ancelotti when their names were mentioned before the match kicked off. Tchouaméni, symbol of Madrid’s sinking against Barça on Sunday in the final of the Super Cup of the King (5-2), was booed again on each of his balls touched at the start of the match. Mbappé did not explain his gesture after the match but he posted a rather enigmatic message on his Instagram account, resuming his celebration: “we don’t play with the coat of arms”.

Asked about the meaning of his scorer’s gesture, Carlo Ancelotti explains that he does not have the answer. “I don’t know,” replied the Italian. “I see a player who has returned to his best level. Lots of continuity. He has helped us a lot and can help us a lot in the next matches.”

Ancelotti says he understands the somewhat hostile reaction from his supporters after the rout against Barça and the team’s current difficulties. “It’s a wake-up call for the fans, it’s acceptable considering what happened against Barcelona. Tchouameni played a very good match. They blew the whistle tonight to wake up. When the game became complicated, they pushed us and that’s what’s special.”

The former PSG coach also supported Tchouaméni, aligned in midfield (his real position) a few days after having sunk into central defense. “He has character, he returned to his position. He helped the central defenders a lot defensively. Good under pressure, he supported well.”