Friday, September 18, 2026 - Kylian Mbappé is facing criticism from right-wing politicians and commentators in France and Spain after partially rolling up a T-shirt supporting residents of Ceuta before Real Madrid’s match against Elche.
Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté were seen covering part of the message “We are all Ceutans,” prompting an immediate political backlash. LaLiga president Javier Tebas also criticised the players for not wearing the shirts fully.
The controversy comes as Ceuta remains at the centre of a heated migration debate following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco in late July.
The shirt campaign was intended by its organisers as a show of solidarity with residents of the Spanish territory. A Real Madrid supporters’ group associated with the far right has called the players’ decision unacceptable and demanded public apologies.
Mbappé has since explained that his decision was not intended as a rejection of Ceuta or its residents. Speaking to Spanish sports newspaper AS, the Real Madrid forward said he stood in solidarity with Ceuta and the victims while also wanting to acknowledge migrants who had lost their lives or remained in difficult conditions.
His explanation has placed the footballer at the centre of a rapidly growing debate over migration, public solidarity and the role of high-profile athletes in political and social issues.
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