Mbappé explains why he hid the Ceuta message on his shirt

17 September 2026 — Kylian Mbappé spoke publicly after criticism in Spain over the way he and two team-mates covered a solidarity slogan on shirts supporting the people of Ceuta.

Players from Elche and Real Madrid had appeared before kickoff wearing shirts bearing the message "Todos somos caballas" as a show of support after the recent migrant crisis affecting Ceuta. Attention quickly focused on Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté because each of them adjusted their shirts so the text was not visible.

Spanish backlash and Mbappé's reply

The reaction from sections of the Spanish public was intense, and Mbappé issued a statement to explain his actions. "I want to explain this well so people understand what I'm saying. The clubs decided to wear these shirts and we players had to respect that," he said.

Mbappé stressed his personal position was one of empathy for all victims. "The first thing I want to say is that I am in complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims because, above all, I am a human being, and only then a footballer. But I also wanted to show a gesture that I think of all the migrants who lost their lives and who are also in difficult conditions."

He added that the choice to obscure the slogan was not meant to oppose the residents of Ceuta. "It wasn't easy to do that because people might think I'm against the residents of Ceuta, but no, that is absolutely not true. They have my full support, but we must also think about the migrants who died while seeking a better life."

Closing his explanation, Mbappé said: "I did not want to highlight one person's suffering over another's suffering. People are suffering and I am very sorry for what is happening in the world, because I wish everyone the best. I want to send a message of peace with the hope that this situation will be resolved soon."

Photo: press material from the event