Kylian Mbappe Ceuta comments have drawn attention after the Real Madrid forward explained why he partially covered a message supporting people in the Spanish enclave before Tuesday’s match against Elche.
Real Madrid players wore T-shirts displaying the words “Todos somos Caballas”, meaning “We are all Caballas”. Caballas is a nickname for people from Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast that borders Morocco and is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Mbappe, along with Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konate, rolled up their shirts so that the message was partly hidden before the match.
Kylian Mbappe Ceuta Statement Supports Victims
Mbappe said the decision to wear the T-shirts came from the clubs and that players were required to wear them. He stressed that covering part of the message was not intended as opposition to the people of Ceuta.
“I want to explain this clearly so people understand,” the France international said.
“The first thing I want to say is that I stand in full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims. Because before I’m a player, I’m a human being.”
Mbappe also said he wanted to acknowledge migrants who had died or were living in difficult conditions.
More than 100 people died during a mass crossing from neighbouring Morocco into Ceuta in July, according to figures cited by the city’s mayor. Tens of thousands of migrants attempted to reach the Spanish territory during the crossing.
Real Madrid Ceuta Message Raises Different Views
Mbappe acknowledged that his gesture could be interpreted differently from what he intended.
“It wasn’t an easy position to take,” he said. “It was difficult because, in the end, people might think I’m against the people of Ceuta. But no, absolutely not.”
He said he had nothing against the people of Ceuta and supported them, while also wanting to recognise the suffering of migrants.
“I have nothing against them, and I support them 100% in my thoughts. But I also wanted to spare a thought for all the people who are suffering because, at the end of the day, I’m human, and I don’t want to prioritise one form of suffering over another.”
Mbappe said his intention was to promote peace and positivity and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved quickly.
“There are people who are suffering, and it breaks my heart to see that happening in the world. I’m a young man who wants the best for the world we live in.”
“I aim to send a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this situation is resolved quickly.”
Ceuta Migrants Crossing Led to Support Campaign, Kylian Mbappe Ceuta
The latest Real Madrid gesture followed an earlier show of support for Ceuta during the club’s Champions League match against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on 8 September.
Supporters in the stadium’s south stand displayed cards featuring Ceuta’s coat of arms, while spectators elsewhere in the stadium joined a tribute with applause.
The initiative followed the large-scale arrival of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July. Most of those who crossed later returned, but as many as 5,000 remained in makeshift camps or were sleeping on streets and beaches, according to the source.
The situation contributed to unrest in the city. Some local residents raised safety concerns, while shelters were reportedly destroyed and access to aid was blocked.
Real Madrid Players Show Different Approaches, Kylian Mbappe Ceuta
Tuesday’s pre-match display showed that players and clubs have taken different approaches to the Ceuta campaign.
While Real Madrid players wore the shirts, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Konate chose to partially cover the message. Barcelona did not participate in the initiative, while players at other La Liga matches wore the shirts without covering the wording.
Mbappe’s explanation focused on expressing solidarity with the people of Ceuta while also remembering migrants who died or continue to face difficult conditions. He said his gesture was intended to recognise different forms of suffering rather than reject support for the Spanish enclave.