Mbappé, Vinícius and Konaté hide support message for Ceuta

Before the match between Elche and Real Madrid, footballers Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Ibrahima Konaté participated in a gesture of support for the people of Ceuta. The action involved wearing T-shirts with the slogan 'Todos somos caballas,' designed to raise awareness about the migration crisis in the autonomous city. However, the three players chose not to display the message fully, rolling up their shirts, which generated criticism.

The gesture was part of an initiative that took place in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms before the match. Unlike other players, who displayed the message visibly, Mbappé, Vinícius, and Konaté opted to cover the slogan in some way, which was widely commented on in local media and social networks. Real Madrid, while not opposing the proposal, acknowledged that there are diverse opinions and sensitivities within the locker room.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions from both fans and public figures. Some politicians, such as the spokesperson for the Popular Party, Ester Muñoz, expressed feeling 'embarrassed' by the players' attitude. This view contrasts with that of others who called for understanding regarding each footballer's personal choice.

Prior to the match, the club had supported the cause, stating that T-shirts were distributed to all team members as a sign of solidarity with Ceuta, which has been affected by a massive influx of migrants. However, the stance taken by the three players did not align with that of the institution, leading to a broader discussion about freedom of expression in the sports context.

Kylian Mbappé later justified his decision to wear the shirt partially, noting that his position did not imply a lack of support for Ceuta residents but aimed to avoid establishing hierarchies in human tragedies. His statement was considered amid the criticism of his gesture during the match.

This incident has sparked a debate about the responsibility of athletes and their role in social issues, with various sectors demanding a clear commitment to the situation in Ceuta and other crisis areas. Reactions continue as the implications of these players' decisions in the current context are analyzed.