Kylian Mbappé justifies controversial gesture in solidarity campaign for Ceuta
Real striker covered T-shirt inscriptions in a symbolic action and now explains his motives.
Quick Look
After Real Madrid players like Kylian Mbappé covered parts of the T-shirt inscription during a solidarity campaign for the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, the French striker now spoke out about the allegations and emphasized his solidarity with everyone involved.
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Why It Matters
On July 30 and 31, around 80,000 migrants stormed from Morocco to Ceuta. As part of a show of solidarity, Primera División players wore special T-shirts.
They were dramatic images. According to Spanish government figures, around 80,000 migrants stormed from Morocco to Ceuta on July 30th and 31st. They swam into the Spanish enclave and climbed over the border fences. There are still 10,000 of them on the peninsula off the coast of North Africa.
Residents and administration were overwhelmed by the onslaught. There was great protest in Spain. People expressed their solidarity with the residents of Ceuta in large demonstrations. The Primera División clubs also took part. Before the game between FC Elche and Real Madrid, the players wore T-shirts with the inscription: “Todos somos caballas” (English: “We are all caballas”). “Caballas” is the name for the inhabitants of Ceuta. Below it was the addition: “Ceuta y sus caballeros de la mar” (Ceuta and its sailors).
But Real stars Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté refused to wear the T-shirts correctly and covered part of the inscription. The gesture sparked a flood of comments in Spanish media and social networks. While some argued that the players had shown solidarity with the plight of migrants, others criticized them for not fully supporting the citizens of Ceuta.
Now Mbappé commented on the controversial action. "I want to explain it well so that people understand. It was a decision of the clubs to introduce and wear the jersey. We players had to wear it," Mbappé told Spanish newspaper As.
“Full solidarity with Ceuta and all victims”
His gesture was not directed against the people of Ceuta. But he also wanted to show solidarity with the migrants who had reached the Spanish exclave: "First of all, I would like to say that my full solidarity goes out to Ceuta and all the victims. Because before I am a football player, I am a human being. But I also wanted to set an example and think of all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who also live under difficult conditions."
And further: "It was not an easy situation, but a difficult one, because in the end people might think that I am against the people of Ceuta. But no, absolutely not. I have nothing against them and I support them 100 percent with my thoughts. But I also wanted to think of all the people who are suffering, because in the end I am a human being and I don't want to outweigh the suffering." Instead, he wanted to convey a message of positivity and peace.
Open Questions
- How do Spanish fans react to Mbappé's statement?
