Mbappé, Vinicius, and Konaté Embroiled in Political Controversy After Declining Ceuta Support Message

Three Real Madrid stars – Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konaté – have drawn criticism in Spain, finding themselves embroiled in a politically charged controversy.

The reason stems from their refusal to fully display a shirt in support of the population of Ceuta before last night's La Liga match against Elche, which Real Madrid dramatically won 3-2. The Spanish enclave in Africa has been at the center of a significant migrant crisis with Morocco since late July.

Spanish media noted that Mbappé, Vinicius, and Konaté attempted to conceal the message “We are all Caballas,” referring to the popular nickname for the residents of the Spanish enclave. The players wore the shirt only halfway when entering the pitch, with the Frenchman and Brazilian even removing it before the official protocol.

They simply draped the shirts over their shoulders or held them in their hands. Cameras in the tunnel captured a moment where Vinicius appeared to instruct Mbappé on how to hide the inscription.

Regarding the incident involving their three players, sources from Real Madrid defended the principle of personal freedom. The club had previously supported the initiative but believed its players could individually decide whether or not to wear the message.

Spanish media has offered mixed reactions to the attitude of the three Real Madrid stars. Some believe they should have shown a gesture of solidarity with Ceuta. Others, however, emphasize the right to personal choice when faced with a politically sensitive message.

As of now, the three players have not commented on their motives. Mbappé and Vinicius Junior have, on numerous occasions, expressed political stances and spoken out against racism and xenophobia.

Previously, Moroccan international Ez Abde, who plays for Betis, was forced to defend himself, stating he had not expressed a “political message” with the same shirt before the match against Villarreal, which Sevilla won 2-1. He was attacked on social media by users accusing him of betraying his homeland.