# Kylian Mbappé Ceuta solidarity shirt controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kylian-mbapp-ceuta-solidarity-shirt-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-19T08:43:44.000Z. Sources: 115. Developments: 4.

Real Madrid player Kylian Mbappé faced criticism from LaLiga president Javier Tebas following a match against Elche. Mbappé, alongside teammates Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté, partially wore solidarity shirts intended to support the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The t-shirts featured the slogan ‘Todos somos caballas’ and ‘Nuestra Ciudad, nuestra patria’ to highlight the recent migration crisis in the region. However, the players wore the garments folded at the chest, preventing the message from being fully visible. Tebas characterized the players' actions as “bad,” arguing that such initiatives should be institutional acts rather than platforms for personal political expression. He further remarked that “not wearing it halfway is the same as not wearing it at all.” In an interview with Diario AS, Mbappé addressed the controversy, stating, “I have all the solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims because before being a player, I am human.” He explained that his decision to not fully display the message was an attempt to acknowledge immigrants facing difficult conditions without “prioritizing suffering.” The controversy has drawn intense political commentary. In Spain, members of the People's Party and Vox expressed indignation, while Real Madrid's Ultras Sur group demanded a public apology. In France, Marine Le Pen and members of the Rassemblement National criticized the footballer, linking his actions to debates over European border sovereignty. French politician Eric Zemmour further escalated the tension, accusing Mbappé of “Islamic solidarity” with migrants. In response to Zemmour’s comments, Green Party MP Léa Agel filed a complaint with the media regulator Arcom, describing his remarks as xenophobic. Conversely, members of La France Insoumise and Spain's Minister of Youth and Childhood Sira Rego defended the gesture as a humanitarian act.

## Claims

- Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Ibrahima Konaté partially wore solidarity shirts during a match against Elche. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Mbappé expressed full solidarity with Ceuta and its victims. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Mbappé stated he did not want to prioritize one group's suffering over another, specifically regarding immigrants. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The players reportedly considered the shirts to have a political charge regarding Morocco. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- LaLiga president Javier Tebas described the players' attitude as 'bad'. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Kylian Mbappé caught in political controversy over Ceuta solidarity

Kylian Mbappé faces political backlash from French figure Eric Zemmour after expressing solidarity with both Ceuta residents and migrants following a controversial jersey gesture during a Real Madrid match.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kylian-mbapp-sparks-controversy-over-ceuta-solidarity

### 2026-09-17: Real Madrid's Ultras Sur group targets Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior

Real Madrid's Ultras Sur group has issued a harsh statement against Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Ibrahima Konaté, demanding apologies and the resignation of President Florentino Pérez.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrids-ultras-sur-group-targets-mbapp-and-vincius-jnior

### 2026-09-14: Mbappé and Vinícius spark controversy over Ceuta support message

Real Madrid stars Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior faced backlash for obscuring a solidarity message for Ceuta. Mbappé explained he wanted to acknowledge both residents and migrants to avoid prioritizing one group's'

105 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kylian-mbapp-explains-partial-wearing-of-ceuta-solidarity-shirts

### 2026-09-13: Kylian Mbappé rejects Michel Platini's views on player criticism

Kylian Mbappé has rejected Michel Platini’s view that footballers must accept insults and racism as part of their fame, labeling such treatment as “non-negotiable.”

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kylian-mbapp-rejects-michel-platinis-views-on-player-criticism

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Cite as: Kylian Mbappé Ceuta solidarity shirt controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kylian-mbapp-ceuta-solidarity-shirt-controversy
