Real Madrid faced their arch rivals Barcelona in the “El Clasico” on the 26th of October, 2025 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeau, beating them 2-1. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham happened to be on the scoresheet for Madrid whereas the only goalscorer for Barcelona was their La Masia graduate, Fermin Lopez.
But after Mbappe scored the goal, he went on to do the “thumb sucking” celebration. Football players usually communicate through celebrations. Some perform the “knee slide”, some individuals use the “silencer” and some use the “shush” way. But, it was something much more meaningful when Mbappe did it. He scored and ran towards the corner. He placed his thumb in his mouth like a newborn. This was not meant to mock Barcelona fans. This was a message about fatherhood and motherhood, albeit not for him.
The story online is that a Real Madrid staff’s partner is expecting a baby, and soon is about to be giving birth. So this was the moment where Mbappe decided to dedicate the goal to him and his partner. Players that conduct the “thumb sucking” celebration do it for one reason: to dedicate the goal to a newborn child – either their own, or a close family baby. It’s a sign. It signifies “this is for my baby.”
However, in this case it was different for Mbappe. Nothing attached on a personal level, as fans ought to make out such assumptions after the game on Sunday, last week.
The Real Madrid staff member is physiotherapist Willy Zurdo, whose partner is expecting a baby. Mbappe could be seen sharing a hug with Zurdo, who has helped him a lot since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reportedly, Mbappe shares a close bond with Zurdo. Mbappe clearly believes that Zurdo deserves more credit for his significant position in Xabi Alonso’s support staff and offered him and his partner love in a distinctive way.
“Willy has been by my side every day, helping me adapt and be in the best shape. It was my moment to give back a little of what he gave me,” Mbappé told Spanish media after the game.
And what makes this even more significant is that it took place in El Clásico. El Clásico is not an ordinary football game. In club football, it is the largest stage. Millions upon millions of people watch it. Each tiny gesture is examined. Every step turns into a cultural event. Therefore, Mbappé’s decision to announce such a personal message in this particular match tells us a lot about the significance of his celebration.
This is what makes football so beautiful. The most impactful remarks don’t always originate from speeches or interviews. They originate from a brief, one-second gesture like these.
Mbappe did not flex during his thumb-sucking celebration in El Clásico. It was an affectionate gesture to Zurdo and his partner in the world’s most famous football game.
