Real Madrid fan group demands Mbappe apology for Ceuta

A prominent Real Madrid supporters’ group, Ultras Sur, has demanded a public apology from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate after the trio refused to fully wear a commemorative T-shirt ahead of Madrid’s 3-2 victory against Elche in La Liga on Tuesday.

The controversy over shirt presentation

The tribute garments featured the message “we are all Ceutans,” intended as a gesture of support for the Spanish territory in North Africa, which has been grappling with a severe migration crisis. While the remainder of the Real Madrid and Elche squads displayed the shirts properly, the three players wore them partially rolled up.

Criticism from authorities and fan groups

• “We are certain that every Real Madrid supporter and every Spaniard is ashamed of the image given by these three individuals,” Ultras Sur stated on X, labeling the behavior “unacceptable.”
• The group, often associated with the far-right, called for public apologies and criticized the silence of club President Florentino Perez, with whom they have been at odds since being banned from the Santiago Bernabeu over a decade ago.
• La Liga President Javier Tebas condemned the players on Wednesday, stating that “putting it half on is the same as not wearing it.”

Context of the Ceuta humanitarian crisis

The gesture was meant to address the humanitarian situation in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants arrived from Morocco on July 30 and 31. While most returned shortly after, several thousand remained, leading to deteriorating conditions and heightened tensions with local residents who have reported migrants sleeping in streets and on beaches. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights estimates at least 141 people died attempting the crossing in July.

Mbappe defends his gesture

Responding to the backlash, Mbappe spoke to the sports newspaper AS to clarify his intentions. “The first thing I want to say is that I have complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims,” he stated. He added, “I also wanted to make a gesture and express my thoughts for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in difficult conditions.”