Real Madrid Fan Group Demands Public Apology From Kylian Mbappe Over Ceuta Shirt Controversy

A prominent Real Madrid supporters’ group has demanded a public apology from Kylian Mbappe and two of his teammates after they declined to fully wear a t-shirt in support of the people of Ceuta. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate wore the tribute shirt partially rolled up prior to Madrid’s 3-2 victory at Elche on Tuesday in La Liga.

“We are certain that every Real Madrid supporter and every Spaniard is ashamed of the image given by these three individuals,” Ultras Sur stated in a post on X late on Wednesday, characterizing their behavior as “unacceptable.” The group, frequently linked with the far-right, demanded “public apologies” and took aim at the silence of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, with whom they have experienced friction since being banned from the Santiago Bernabeu over ten years ago.

On Wednesday, La Liga President Javier Tebas also rebuked the three Madrid players for failing to wear the t-shirt correctly, remarking that “putting it half on is the same as not wearing it.” The remaining squad members, along with the Elche players, wore the shirt—which featured the words “we are all Ceutans”—normally. The initiative was designed to offer support to residents in the Spanish territory in North Africa, which has recently faced a severe migration crisis.

Local inhabitants have voiced frustrations regarding migrants from Morocco camping on beaches and sleeping on streets, leaving the city overwhelmed amidst a humanitarian emergency. Numerous individuals perished while attempting the crossing in July. According to estimates from the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, a nongovernmental group, the death toll stands at no fewer than 141.

Kylian Mbappe explained that his intention was to acknowledge those who had died. “The first thing I want to say is that I have complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims,” he stated to the Spanish daily AS. “But 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.”

Tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. While the majority departed in the hours following their arrival, several thousand stayed in Ceuta, where worsening conditions have intensified friction with local residents.