Mbappé explains why he covered up message of support for Ceuta

Kylian Mbappé broke his silence on Wednesday to explain why he had covered up, like Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konaté, the message of support for Ceuta written on the shirt worn by all Liga players during the week’s round of matches.

Tuesday evening, all Spanish clubs were invited to display their solidarity with the Spanish enclave in Morocco, hit by a serious migration crisis. The shirt bore the slogan “We are all from Ceuta”, followed by the mention “Our city, our homeland”. The three Real Madrid players took to the pitch with the garment pulled up to mid-chest, obscuring the inscription. The gesture triggered a wave of criticism in Spain.

Questioned by sports daily AS the day after the match, the France captain wanted to clarify his intentions. “It was the clubs’ decision to wear this shirt. We, the players, had to wear it. First and foremost, I want to express my full solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims. Because before being a player, I am a human being”, he said.

Mbappé then justified his gesture by a desire not to erase migrants who lost their lives trying to reach the enclave from the equation. “I also wanted to make a gesture and show my sympathy to all the migrants who have lost their lives and those who still live in difficult conditions.”

The French striker is aware of the tightrope he has walked. “It was not an easy position, far from it, because one might think I am against the people of Ceuta, but no, absolutely not. I have nothing against them, I support them 100%”, he assured, before concluding: “I want to send a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.”