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Real Madrid defend players' freedom of expression after Mbappe and Vinicius' Ceuta shirt stance

The club said it respects players’ freedom of expression after Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. obscured a solidarity message for Ceuta.

  • On Tuesday, Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, along with center-back Ibrahima Konaté, rolled up their 'Todos somos caballas' solidarity shirts before the La Liga match against Elche, obscuring the message while teammates wore them normally.
  • The initiative, organized by the Valencian Business Association, aimed to demonstrate solidarity with Ceuta following a major migration crisis in July that saw at least 72,000 people cross from Morocco into the Spanish territory.
  • Other La Liga clubs participated in the campaign; Real Betis Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli faced online abuse for wearing his shirt before later clarifying on social media that the gesture was a social, non-political act of support.
  • Addressing the controversy, Real Madrid defended its players' right to hold differing opinions, stating the club respects individual freedom and gave each player the choice whether to display the solidarity message.
  • The incident reflects broader political tensions in Spain surrounding migration and Ceuta's status, with the crisis emerging as a significant theme ahead of next year's national elections and Spain-Morocco relations.
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334 Articles

Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Lean Left

Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior have seen themselves in the midst of Spain's political and social debate on migration and the country's relations with Morocco.

·El Segundo, United States
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Center

The French striker refused, during a match, to fully wear a t-shirt in support of the population of Ceuta. If he said to support the inhabitants of the Spanish enclave, he explained that he also wanted to "address a thought to all migrants who have lost their lives". The small territory is the scene of a major migration crisis with Morocco since July. - Spain: targeted by critics for a t-shirt, Mbappé ensures to support "100%" the inhabitants of…

Center

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé wanted to settle the controversy that arose yesterday Tuesday when neither he nor...

·Spain
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ReutersReuters
+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Center

Real defend players' freedom of expression after Mbappe, Vinicius cover message of support for Ceuta

Real Madrid defended their players' right to have differing opinions after forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. ​obscured a solidarity message for the people of Ceuta before ‌Tuesday's LaLiga clash with Elche.

·London, United Kingdom
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AS broke the news in Madrid, Spain on Monday, September 14, 2026.
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