Real Madrid Players Spark Controversy by Refusing to Wear Ceuta Solidarity Shirts
Three prominent Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, drew criticism after opting not to wear shirts expressing support for the Spanish city facing a migrant crisis.
Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior ignited controversy on Tuesday night by refusing to wear solidarity shirts for the autonomous Spanish city of Ceuta, which has been grappling with a significant migrant influx. The incident occurred before Real Madrid's match against Elche.
Mbappé, Júnior, and teammate Ibrahima Konaté were seen covering or foregoing the shirts that bore the slogan "We are all Caballas," a term used for residents of Ceuta. The players reportedly wore the shirts rolled up or carried them, rather than displaying the message prominently, before removing them entirely after the official team photo to reveal their match jerseys.
Ceuta, a Spanish city located in North Africa bordering Morocco, experienced an unprecedented surge of over 72,000 migrants from Morocco, overwhelming its population of 85,000. This event has led to widespread protests across Spain, with citizens expressing frustration over the government's handling of the situation. Demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands, including a significant protest in Madrid.
Real Madrid had previously announced its support for Ceuta, stating on its official website, "Before the start of the match between Elche and Real Madrid, the players of both teams took to the pitch of the 'Manuel Martínez Valero' Stadium wearing shirts bearing the phrase 'We are all Caballas', as an expression of solidarity with Ceuta."
Fans of Real Madrid also showed solidarity with Ceuta during a prior Champions League match against Inter Milan, displaying a large tifo featuring Ceuta flags. However, the actions of Mbappé, Júnior, and Konaté have added a layer of controversy for the popular football club.
This incident follows a similar situation involving Moroccan player Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who faced backlash from some compatriots after wearing a solidarity shirt for Ceuta during a match for Real Betis. Ezzalzouli later clarified that the shirt was intended as a social gesture of support for residents in a difficult situation, regardless of nationality, while asserting his pride in his country.