Mbappé explains his refusal of the Ceuta t‑shirt and defends migrants

Kylian Mbappé broke his silence on the AS microphone, explaining why he and his Real Madrid teammates refused to wear the t‑shirt “We are all Ceutans” when entering the pitch, emphasizing his solidarity with the inhabitants of Ceuta and migrants.

The contested gesture by Real Madrid

Real Madrid decided to show its support for the autonomous city of Ceuta by distributing to its players a tee‑shirt bearing the slogan “Todos Somos Caballas”, translation of “We are all Ceutans”. The aim was to display visible solidarity when entering the pitch. This initiative was presented as a humanitarian gesture in response to the migration crisis affecting the region.

Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté chose not to display the garment, folding it so that the message remained partially covered. Thus the text was not readable, reflecting their reluctance to wear the slogan. They said the decision was intended to avoid any political interpretation of the gesture.

Migration context in Ceuta

Ceuta experienced a major migration wave on July 30 and 31, with the arrival of 70 000 people from Morocco. The Spanish city was then in the midst of a crisis, with thousands of migrants living in very difficult conditions, notably on overcrowded docks. Local authorities struggle to provide adequate housing and basic care.

When questioned by the Sport Agency, Mbappé said that the decision to wear the tee‑shirt belonged to the club, but that he was “in total solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims”. He added that before being a footballer, he remains a human being concerned about the migrants who have lost their lives. He clarified that he did not want to prioritize one person’s suffering over another’s.

The Frenchman acknowledged that the position was not easy, fearing to be seen as opposed to the inhabitants of Ceuta. He stated that he has nothing against them, simply wishing to express his thoughts for all people who suffer. This nuance was intended to avoid being considered a partisan of any side.

Mbappé concluded by expressing his sadness about the situation and his desire to send a message of positivity and peace, hoping for a swift resolution. He reminded that, in a world where every gesture is scrutinized, he wants to avoid any misinterpretation of his act. This statement shows the care he pays to the impact of his actions in a sensitive context.