Omanghana
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has explained why he obscured a message supporting Ceuta before his team’s 3–2 La Liga victory over Elche.
Players from both teams entered the pitch wearing white T-shirts bearing the slogan “Todos somos caballas.” The phrase translates literally as “We are all mackerels,” with “caballas” being a popular nickname for residents of the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast.
Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior rolled up their shirts, making the message unreadable, before removing them as they left the tunnel. Their teammate Ibrahima Konaté carried his shirt instead of wearing it.
The gesture sparked debate across Spain, with some observers interpreting the players’ actions as opposition to Ceuta or its residents.
Speaking to Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS, Mbappé rejected that interpretation and said his decision was motivated by a desire to recognise the suffering of everyone affected by the recent migration crisis.
The France captain expressed support for Ceuta’s residents but said he also wanted to acknowledge migrants who had died or endured dangerous conditions while attempting to cross into the Spanish territory.
“I am human and I don’t want to priorities the suffering of one group over another,” Mbappé said.
More than 70,000 irregular crossings from Morocco into Ceuta were reported in July, overwhelming facilities and creating a humanitarian emergency. Thousands of migrants were left in difficult conditions, while others reportedly died during attempted sea and border crossings.
The T-shirt initiative was promoted by the Valencian Business Association as a public expression of solidarity with Ceuta. Real Madrid agreed to participate after receiving a request from Elche.
A Real Madrid official said the club supported the freedom of individual players to decide whether to wear the shirts. The club stressed that accepting the initiative did not mean forcing every member of the squad to display the message.
Real Madrid had previously shown institutional support for Ceuta during its Champions League match against Inter Milan, when supporters displayed the territory’s flag as part of a stadium mosaic.
The controversy has also affected other footballers. Moroccan international Ez Abde received abusive messages on social media after wearing the same shirt before Real Betis faced Villarreal. Abde defended his participation, saying it represented support for a community and a humanitarian cause rather than a political position.
Barcelona, meanwhile, declined to wear the shirts before its match against Levante.
The episode has fueled a wider discussion about whether footballers should be expected to participate in campaigns linked to politically sensitive issues and how clubs should balance institutional messages with players’ freedom of expression.
Mbappé maintained that his actions were not directed against Ceuta, explaining that he wanted his position to reflect compassion for residents and migrants affected by the crisis.
Source: Omanghana
