Kylian Mbappe says his decision to partially cover a Real Madrid shirt supporting Ceuta was intended to acknowledge both the territory’s residents and migrants who died or are facing difficult conditions.
Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konate did not fully display the message “we are all Ceutans” before Real Madrid’s match against Elche on Tuesday. The slogan referred to people living in Spain’s North African territory.
The gesture followed more than 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco in July. According to The Telegraph, crime in the territory had increased eightfold.
Most of those who crossed returned within hours, but several thousand remained in Ceuta and were reportedly homeless there.
Real Madrid had shown its support for Ceuta during the previous week. At last Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan, the club’s singing section displayed a tifo featuring supporters holding placards with the Ceuta flag.
Explaining why he and his team-mates had only partly shown the message, Mbappe said he was fully supportive of the people of Ceuta but also wanted to recognise the suffering and deaths linked to the crossings.
“I want to explain this clearly so people understand,” he told AS. “It was the club’s decision to include the jersey and have us wear it. We players had to wear it. The first thing I want to say is that I stand in full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims.
“Because before I’m a player, I’m a human being. But I also wanted to make a gesture and spare a thought for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in harsh conditions.
“It wasn’t an easy position to take. It was difficult because, in the end, people might think I’m against the people of Ceuta, but no, absolutely not.
“I have nothing against them, and I support them 100% in my thoughts. But I also wanted to spare a thought for all the people who are suffering because, at the end of the day, I’m human, and I don’t want to prioritise one form of suffering over another.
“There are people who are suffering, and it breaks my heart to see that happening in the world. I’m a young man who wants the best for the world we live in.
“I aim to send a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this situation is resolved quickly.”
Real Madrid went on to beat Elche on Tuesday. They next face local rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday, when Mbappe is expected to start again.