Mbappé criticized by Zemmour after gesture of support for migrants at Elche

Kylian Mbappé found himself at the center of a fierce controversy after refusing, Tuesday evening before the match between Elche and Real Madrid, to fully wear a t-shirt in support of Ceuta residents. A gesture shared by Ibrahima Konaté and Vinicius Jr, which quickly spread beyond Spanish football.

On July 30, more than 70,000 migrants had irregularly crossed the Spanish-Moroccan border to reach the Spanish enclave. Mbappé explained his initiative to daily newspaper AS by refusing to establish a “hierarchy of suffering”: “I wanted to have a thought and make a gesture for all migrants who have lost their lives and who also live in difficult conditions.”

Questioned by BFMTV, Éric Zemmour, president of Reconquête, reacted strongly. He recalled that Mbappé had already intervened “in public debate” following the death of young Nahel, killed by a police shot in 2023, before declaring: “We can clearly see that the solidarity born in the suburbs, Islamic solidarity is superior to French solidarity and even to that of his host country.” He added: “Kylian Mbappé has solidarities that escape us.”

For Zemmour, the Real Madrid striker “takes the side of migrants” and could have “stayed silent.” The president of Reconquête concluded by invoking a counter-example: “Zidane never said a word, he was right to do so. If he speaks out, he must accept criticism.”

The explanation provided by Mbappé was not enough to extinguish the controversy, which Zemmour described as “talking points.” The France captain, accustomed to taking positions on social issues, finds himself once again exposed to criticism that far exceeds the sporting sphere.