Kylian Mbappe says his decision to alter the way he displayed a solidarity shirt before Real Madrid’s match against Elche was intended to highlight the plight of migrants, while stressing that he fully supports the people of Ceuta.
Mbappe and team-mate Vinicius Junior attracted attention before the La Liga fixture after the Real Madrid players appeared to conceal part of a message displayed on their shirts.
Real Madrid and Elche had agreed that players from both sides would wear shirts carrying the message: “We are all Caballas”.
The term “Caballas” refers to people from Ceuta. However, Mbappe and Vinicius lifted the shirts in a way that obscured part of the message, leading to questions about their stance towards the city.
Mbappe has now explained his position in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, saying he wanted his gesture to also draw attention to migrants who have suffered or died in difficult circumstances.
“I would like to explain the matter clearly, so that people understand. Wearing the shirt was a decision made by the two clubs, and we – the players – had to wear it.”
The France captain then explained why he wanted to make a separate gesture while wearing the shirt.
“The first thing I want to say is that I am in complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims, because before I am a player, I am a human being, but I also wanted to make a gesture and express my solidarity with all the migrants who lost their lives and those who live in harsh conditions.”
Mbappe said he was aware that his actions could be interpreted as opposition to the people of Ceuta, but insisted that was not his intention.
“It wasn’t an easy situation, it was difficult, because people might think that I’m against the people of Ceuta, but no, of course not, I have nothing against them, and I support them 100%, but I also wanted to tell everyone about the suffering of others; after all, I’m a human being, and I don’t want to prioritize one suffering over another.”
The Real Madrid forward said his intention was to draw attention to suffering more broadly rather than place one group above another.
“There are people suffering, and it deeply saddens me to see that in the world. I am someone who wants the best for the world we live in.”
Mbappe added that he wanted to communicate a positive message and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved quickly.
His explanation follows the controversy surrounding the shirts before the match, when his actions alongside Vinicius prompted questions over the message they were displaying.
Mbappe has now made clear that his gesture was intended to express support for migrants while also maintaining his backing for Ceuta and its people.
On the pitch, Real Madrid won the match 3-2 against Elche, with Mbappe scoring his side’s second goal.
The forward’s explanation therefore comes after an evening in which the shirt incident attracted attention before he also played a direct role in Real Madrid’s victory.
