'Show Some Respect': Real Madrid Stars Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. And Konate Face Online Backlash After Refusing To Display Ceuta Support Shirts

Three Real Madrid stars, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Ibrahima Konate, found themselves facing online criticism after seemingly avoiding displaying shirts supporting Ceuta during their LaLiga match against Elche. The opposing team presented white shirts bearing the slogan "Todos somos caballas" ("We are all Caballas") as part of a solidarity campaign to support Ceuta's residents.

While most Real Madrid players wore the shirts fully during the pre-match ceremony, the trio were seen carrying or wearing them in a way that concealed the message. Cameras captured Vinicius Jr. guiding Mbappé on how to wear the shirt so the slogan would not be visible. Real Madrid players were expected to show the message during the pre-match ceremony, but Mbappe, Vinicius and Konate chose to hide it.

Following the match, the players removed the shirts before shaking hands with officials and Elche players, while Konate kept his shirt on during the initial greeting but did not display the slogan fully. This act of defiance sparked controversy as the initiative was endorsed by LaLiga and the club itself, despite individual players having the option to decide on wearing the shirts.

Real Madrid had highlighted the campaign as an expression of solidarity with Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast which has recently experienced a major migration crisis. The slogan's political and symbolic implications have elicited mixed reactions among players and supporters.