Kylian Mbappé’s decision not to completely show a shirt in support of the population of Ceuta unleashed an intense controversy in Spain, with repercussions also in France, after criticism from sectors of the right and the extreme right against the Real Madrid star.
The French footballer, along with his teammates Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté, was at the center of controversy after partially wearing a shirt supporting Ceuta, the Spanish enclave located in North Africa, before Real Madrid’s match against Elche on Tuesday.
The three players wore their shirts rolled up at chest height, which made it impossible to fully read the message “We are all mackerels”, in reference to the name used for the inhabitants of Ceuta.
The images quickly spread on social networks and even reached the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, where immigration is emerging as one of the central issues of the political debate ahead of the next general elections.
The spokesperson for the Popular Party in Congress, Ester Muñoz, stated that she felt “others’ shame” when observing the players’ gesture.
For his part, José María Figaredo, Vox deputy, questioned the attitude of the footballers and pointed out that “Spanish people are very free to feel indignant with three millionaires who live in Spain and who then do not support the Spaniards.”
Also the radical group of Real Madrid fans Ultras Sur, linked to the extreme right and which is prohibited from accessing the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, described the attitude of the players as “unacceptable” and demanded a public apology.
The controversy occurred in the midst of an intense debate about the immigration situation in Ceuta. At the end of July, dozens of migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco, causing a crisis that generated strong tensions and protests in the city.
Mbappé explained his decision
Faced with increasing criticism, Mbappé explained his decision in statements published on Wednesday by the sports newspaper AS.
“I have all the solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims because before being a player, I am human,” said the French striker.
“But I also wanted to have a gesture and a thought for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also in difficult conditions,” he added.
Mbappé pointed out that he did not intend to establish a priority among the people affected by the situation and defended a message of solidarity towards the victims.
The Real Madrid forward has previously spoken out on non-sports issues, especially against racism and the French extreme right.
His statements also provoked criticism in France. Julien Odoul, deputy and spokesperson for the National Group, questioned the footballer and described his behavior as “little rabble” during an intervention on the CNews channel.
MEP Marion Maréchal also criticized the player and asked why, in her opinion, there is solidarity with certain groups and not with Europeans.
The controversy also reached Vinícius Júnior, who has taken an active role in the fight against racism after having received insults at different stages during his career.
The debate over the Ceuta shirt also occurs in a context of growing political discussion about immigration in Spain. The Popular Party and Vox have questioned the management of Pedro Sánchez’s Government in the face of the migration crisis and have criticized its policies on immigration.
