Jul 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, defender Antonio Ruediger (22) and forward Kylian Mbappe (9) remonstrate with referee Ramon Abatti Abel after a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

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UEFA Imposes Fines on Real Madrid Stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger After Champions League Controversy

Following Rudiger's winning penalty in the shootout against Atletico, Real Madrid players gathered near the away section to celebrate.

Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rüdiger will have to pay hefty fines after UEFA dismissed the club’s appeal regarding player conduct during their heated Champions League round-of-16 clash against Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos won the match via penalty shootout after a tense 1-0 defeat on the night.

The result saw high drama amidst the post-match celebrations, which led to disciplinary scrutiny from UEFA. Following Rudiger’s winning penalty in the shootout, Real Madrid players gathered near the away section of the Metropolitano Stadium to celebrate with their traveling supporters.

Rudiger drew attention for his provocative goal celebration as he stuck out his tongue and mimicked a throat-cut gesture. Meanwhile, Mbappe and Ceballos were fined for making taunting gestures toward Atletico Madrid fans.

Rüdiger after scoring the final penalty and knocking Atlético out 💀 pic.twitter.com/S5MhrpvcBF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 12, 2025

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UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee handed Rudiger a €40,000 fine and Mbappe a €30,000 fine, with both players receiving one-match bans. These bans will only be enforceable if similar incidents occur in the future. Dani Ceballos, who joined the on-pitch celebrations despite not being in the matchday squad, was fined €20,000. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr., who was also under investigation, has been cleared.

Real Madrid Also Fined for Separate Incident

In a separate ruling, UEFA upheld a €15,000 fine against Real Madrid after a supporter was filmed making a Nazi salute during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The governing body also issued a stern warning to Real Madrid that a repeat offense could lead to a ban on away ticket sales for future European fixtures.

🚨 UEFA have rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the sanctions imposed on Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Dani Ceballos. The fine on the club from the game against Arsenal in London also stands.

— @marca pic.twitter.com/vDN02s33x7
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 7, 2025

With these fines confirmed, Real Madrid will now start the new Champions League season under close watch from UEFA. Any repeat offenses by Rudiger or Mbappe could lead to suspensions. Meanwhile, further racist incidents involving their fans could lead to tougher punishments.

Antonio Rudiger

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

Champions League

Dani Ceballos

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr.

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.