Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have received limited sanctions from UEFA following controversial celebrations after their Champions League last-16 victory over Atletico Madrid.
The sanctions, announced by UEFA on Friday, come after both players were found to have breached the organization’s “basic rules of decent conduct” during their exuberant post-match reactions.
UEFA confirmed that Mbappe and Rudiger would serve a suspended one-game ban, which will be in effect for a probationary period of one year. This means that if either player is found guilty of another similar violation within that period, they could face an immediate ban.
The disciplinary action stemmed from incidents that occurred after Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid on March 12, 2025, at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. The victory saw Real Madrid progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, but it was marred by controversial celebrations that drew widespread criticism.
Footage that emerged from the post-match scenes showed Kylian Mbappe engaging in provocative behavior on the pitch, including a controversial gesture involving grabbing his crotch. This action was widely condemned by fans and observers, leading to scrutiny from UEFA.
Antonio Rudiger, on the other hand, was hit with a €40,000 fine for his involvement in the celebrations, while Mbappe received a €30,000 fine. Additionally, Dani Ceballos, a teammate of Mbappe and Rudiger, was also fined €20,000 for his part in the celebrations, though he was not given a suspended ban.
In a notable development, UEFA clarified that no charges were brought against Vinicius Junior, who was initially under investigation in relation to the celebrations.
As Real Madrid now shifts its focus to the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, the club hopes to move beyond the controversy and concentrate on their quest for success in Europe. The first leg of the quarter-finals will take place on Tuesday, and the Spanish giants are determined to put the off-field distractions behind them as they aim for further glory in the competition.
