Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has broken his silence to explain why he and teammates Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté only partially wore a pre-match solidarity shirt for Ceuta ahead of an Elche fixture, insisting the gesture was intended to encompass global migrants and those suffering worldwide rather than reject the North African Spanish enclave.
Mbappé Clarifies Stance on Ceuta Shirt Controversy
The controversy unfolded before a LaLiga match when the three Real Madrid players pulled the pre-match garment over themselves only halfway, effectively concealing a slogan that read “We are all mackerel,” a local nickname for the residents of Ceuta. The initiative had been organized by Elche as the home club and accepted by Real Madrid, expecting all players to participate fully on the pitch. Following the match, LaLiga president Javier Tebas publicly criticized the trio for failing to wear the commemorative shirt properly.
Speaking to the sports daily AS, Mbappé addressed the backlash directly to clear up any misunderstanding surrounding his actions on the pitch. “I want to explain it properly so that people understand,” Mbappé said, as reported by outlets covering the incident. He noted that while the directive to wear the tops came from the clubs, his internal perspective shifted toward a broader humanitarian appeal. “The first thing I want to say is that I stand in full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims. Because before being a player, I am a human being,” he added.
Balancing Local Support with Global Humanitarian Concerns
The French international emphasized that his partial display of the jersey was not born out of animosity toward the local population of Ceuta. The complete slogan on the garment finished with the phrase “Our city, our homeland,” but the players’ adjustments blocked the initial phrase. Mbappé maintained that he holds no ill will toward the enclave’s citizens while defending his choice to widen the scope of his solidarity.
“I also wanted to have a gesture and a thought for all the migrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in harsh conditions,” Mbappé explained. Acknowledging the delicate nature of the situation, the striker described his position as difficult but necessary for his personal conscience. “I have nothing against them, and I support them 100 percent — my thoughts are with them. But I also wanted to spare a thought for all the people who are suffering.”
Wider Reactions and Next Steps for Real Madrid
Tebas took direct aim at the players for altering the presentation of the club-sanctioned apparel.
Mbappé concluded his remarks by reinforcing his desire for harmony and a swift resolution to the public discourse surrounding the event. “I’m a guy who wants the best for the world we live in. I am trying to send a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this is resolved quickly,” he stated.
Keep reading
