Kylian Mbappe ends silence on Ceuta message controversy: "It was the club’s decision"

Kylian Mbappe has clarified why he covered a solidarity message for Ceuta during Real Madrid's match against Elche, asserting that his decision was not a sign of disapproval for the Spanish city. Both teams wore shirts with the message "Todos somos caballas" before the La Liga game. Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate partially covered the message.

The club decided on this gesture, with the players initially expected to wear the shirts. Mbappe, speaking in an interview with Diario AS, emphasized his solidarity with Ceuta and the victims, stating, "I stand in total solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims." He clarified that he did not want his actions to be seen as opposition to the people of Ceuta, expressing his support for them.

The controversy arose after more than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, leading to at least 100 deaths and thousands enduring difficult conditions. Mbappe aimed to convey a message of positivity and peace, hoping for a swift resolution to the situation. Real Madrid had earlier defended its players' autonomy in deciding whether to fully participate in the gesture, but has not publicly commented on Mbappe's explanation.