Mbappe Explains Ceuta Shirt Gesture Before Real Madrid’s Elche Win

Kylian Mbappe has explained why he concealed the message on a Ceuta solidarity T-shirt before Real Madrid’s win at Elche, insisting he supports the Spanish enclave’s residents while also wanting to recognise migrants suffering in the crisis.

Madrid and Elche had agreed to wear shirts carrying the slogan “We’re all from Ceuta” ahead of Tuesday’s La Liga match. The initiative was arranged by a local business group after a major migration influx from Morocco in July created a humanitarian emergency in the Spanish enclave.

Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Konate pulled the shirts up over their chests during the pre-match line-up, hiding the wording. The move triggered strong criticism across Spanish media.

Mbappe explains Ceuta gesture

Speaking on Wednesday, the France forward said wearing the garment had been agreed by the clubs and was therefore required of the players. He stressed that his reaction was not aimed at Ceuta or its people.

Mbappe said he felt complete solidarity with Ceuta and with those affected, but added that he could not overlook migrants who had died or were living through severe conditions.

The Madrid attacker, whose parents moved to France from Algeria and Cameroon, said he had been placed in a difficult situation because his action could be interpreted as opposition to Ceuta. He rejected that suggestion, saying he holds no hostility towards the enclave and wanted to show compassion for everyone caught up in the suffering.

Mbappe called for a swift, peaceful outcome, saying no form of human suffering should be treated as more important than another. His intention, he said, was to send a message centred on peace and positivity.

Betis forward Abde also faces backlash

The Ceuta issue has spilled into other Spanish matches this week. Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli took part in a comparable pre-match display before Monday’s game against Villarreal and then faced criticism from supporters in Morocco.

Abde, a Morocco international who moved to Spain as a child, responded on social media by saying he would not apologise. He maintained that the shirt did not carry a political message and was not meant as contempt towards Moroccan people.

What happens next

Real Madrid took a narrow but important three points from Elche and now need to turn quickly towards Sunday’s derby against Atletico Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s side face the local rivals with their title challenge continuing through a demanding run of fixtures.