Four Los Blancos stars could face serious punishments after UEFA opened an investigation into Real Madrid’s conduct
Real Madrid’s euphoric celebrations after their Champions League round of 16 victory over Atletico Madrid may have landed them in hot water.
UEFA have officially launched an investigation into the conduct of four Los Blancos stars following complaints about their behavior after the match, and if found guilty, the players could each face a €20,000 (₦33 million) fine.
UEFA investigate Real Madrid celebrations
The Madrid derby was always expected to be intense, but the real controversy began after the final whistle.
Real Madrid’s victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 on March 12, 2025, ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, sealing their place in the quarter-finals. However, it was what followed that caught UEFA’s attention.
As Los Blancos players celebrated their triumph, footage captured Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos engaging in what some Atletico fans deemed provocative celebrations right in front of their section.
This led to widespread complaints, with UEFA stepping in to determine whether their actions violated disciplinary regulations.
UEFA has now assigned an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to assess the situation. While the players and the club have the opportunity to defend themselves, history suggests that UEFA does not take such matters lightly.
What punishments await Real Madrid stars?
Real Madrid are no strangers to heated rivalries, especially with Atletico Madrid, but UEFA’s track record of penalising unsportsmanlike behavior suggests that the club could be facing financial repercussions.
One of the most notable precedents occurred in 2019, when Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 (₦33 million) for making an obscene gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans after Juventus eliminated them from the Champions League.
If UEFA finds Real Madrid’s players guilty of the same offence against the same opponents, they could each face a similar fine.
For now, the investigation remains in its early stages, with Real Madrid expected to submit their defense. It remains to be seen whether Mbappe, Vinícius, and their teammates escape punishment or face the full weight of UEFA’s disciplinary action.
