Mbappe, Vini and Konate cover up Real's message of support for Ceuta
September 16, 2026 13:42
Real Madrid players wore T-shirts bearing the message 'Todos somos Caballas' ('We are all Caballas') before their match against Elche. Kylian Mbappé said he, Vinícius Jr and Ibrahima Konaté rolled up their shirts to partially cover the slogan.
Mbappé explained the decision in a statement, saying: "It was the clubs' decision to include the T-shirt and to have us wear it. We players had to wear it." He added: "The first thing I want to say is that I stand in full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims." He also said he wanted "to spare a thought for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in harsh condition." Mbappé described taking the action as "not an easy position to take" and repeated that he supported the people of Ceuta "100% in my thoughts."
KEY CONTEXT
The shirts were intended as a show of support for Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco in July; the BBC report notes that at least 72,000 crossed on 30 and 31 July and that Ceuta's mayor gave figures saying at least 100 people died during the crossing. Most returned, but as many as 5,000 were reported to remain in makeshift camps, and local unrest followed, including attacks on shelters and blocks on aid.
Real had previously displayed support for Ceuta during their Champions League meeting with Inter Milan on 8 September, when supporters in the south stand showed the city's coat of arms and the stadium joined a round of applause. The pre-match T-shirt initiative highlighted differing responses across La Liga clubs; the BBC report says Barcelona did not take part, while players at other fixtures did wear the shirts as intended.
WHY IT MATTERS
The episode underlines contrasting approaches by players and clubs to a politically and humanely sensitive crisis. Mbappé framed his action as an attempt to show solidarity both with the people of Ceuta and with migrants who have suffered or died, while also stressing that the club had required players to wear the shirts.
Source: BBC Sport Football