Real Madrid Stars Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. Withhold Support for Ceuta Solidarity Message

Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. deliberately concealed messages on pre-game t-shirts intended to show solidarity with the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta. The players, joined by Ibrahima Konate, rolled up their shirts before the team's match against Elche, opting not to display the slogan 'We are all Caballas,' which supported the Ceuta community following a significant migration crisis.

Earlier in the summer, Spain declared a state of emergency after approximately 8,000 migrants, primarily young Moroccan men, arrived in Ceuta over a two-day period in July. At least 57 individuals died attempting the journey. Ceuta's president has stated that around 13,000 migrants remain in the enclave, making it a persistent political issue.

Real Madrid and other La Liga clubs were encouraged by league organizers to promote a message of solidarity with Ceuta's residents during recent fixtures. While the rest of the Real Madrid squad posed for customary pre-game photographs in the specially designed green and white t-shirts, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Konate's actions undermined the initiative. Footage from the match showed Vinicius Jr. with his shirt rolled up, followed by Mbappe adopting the same stance. Konate also participated in concealing the slogan.

This act of protest by the three Real Madrid players has drawn criticism from some supporters. Online reactions included hopes that the players would be booed and suggestions for significant fines and suspensions. One comment expressed dismay that the club would permit "contempt toward our compatriots from Ceuta by these millionaires."

Notably, Ez Abde, a Moroccan player for Real Betis, also wore the t-shirt before his team's game and faced online backlash from his countrymen. The situation in Ceuta remains politically sensitive in Spain.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has stated that while the situation was not mishandled, authorities could not cope with the influx of migrants. He indicated that the majority of migrants had been returned to Morocco and that accommodation for up to 10,000 people was being prepared in Ceuta, with the goal of bringing the situation under control by the end of the year. The enclave of Ceuta has a population of approximately 84,000 residents.

Mbabbe and Vinicius Jr. have not publicly commented on their views regarding the Ceuta migrant crisis or their decision to withhold support for the solidarity message.