Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica was not just about three points but about emotion, symbolism and debate. Kylian Mbappé’s second-half brace lifted Los Blancos to the top of La Liga, yet it was his stoppage-time Panenka that truly set social media alight.
As reported by SoftFootball, the French star first scored in the 47th minute before sealing the win with a cheeky penalty that paid tribute to Brahim Díaz, following Morocco’s AFCON 2025 heartbreak against Senegal.
The context behind the moment made it impossible for fans to stay neutral. Mbappé later confirmed the Panenka was meant to support Díaz after his missed attempt in the AFCON final.
Real Madrid fans watched their team extend a winning run under Álvaro Arbeloa while Mbappé moved to 21 goals in 20 games, but the conversation online quickly shifted from tactics to intentions.
One section of fans focused on the collective strength Madrid showed in Castellón. Some supporters felt the performance reflected unity and renewed belief under Arbeloa. That mood was summed up by an X user who clearly intended to praise the team’s togetherness rather than spotlight individuals.
As a result, Teboho wrote in full:
Playing like a team, attacking and defending as a unit! This is great!
Others were less certain about Mbappé’s gesture. A number of fans questioned whether the Panenka was genuinely supportive or awkwardly misjudged. One user openly expressed confusion, suggesting the act could be read in two opposite ways.
Jim’s intention was to highlight that uncertainty, and he stated:
I don’t know whether he’s trolling him or consoling him….
Another reaction leaned toward interpretation rather than confusion. Some fans believed Mbappé was deliberately demonstrating confidence and execution to lift Díaz’s spirits. Bazz shared that view, implying instruction rather than mockery.
He posted:
Mbappe wanted to show Brahim how to do a perfect panenka.
Not everyone saw it positively. There were fans who felt the moment lacked sensitivity, especially given Díaz’s emotional state after AFCON. BigFesi ᝰ clearly intended to defend Díaz’s feelings, criticising the act as poorly timed.
He wrote:
That’s disrespectful and complete disregard to the feelings of a teammate who’s healing from a hurtful incidence.
The debate even spilt beyond club loyalty into continental rivalry. One Chelsea fan dismissed the tribute entirely, framing it from an African football perspective. Ghost CFC’s intention was to downplay the significance of Mbappé’s action.
He said:
Haha .
Diaz not scoring that saved the whole Africa.
So it’s so pointless for us what Mbappe tried to achieve.
In the end, Mbappé’s Panenka did more than seal a win. It exposed how football gestures can be read in wildly different ways, proving that even moments meant as support can divide opinion just as sharply as they inspire.
