Kylian Mbappé faces backlash over modified Ceuta solidarity T-shirt
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé faces political and local criticism after altering a T-shirt promoting solidarity with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and teammates Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté have drawn criticism after rolling up solidarity T-shirts designed to support the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The territory, located on the North African coast bordering Morocco, is currently experiencing a severe migration crisis.
Conservative and far-right politicians in France and Spain condemned the gesture, while residents in Ceuta expressed mixed reactions, with some calling the players' behavior childish. In an interview with Spanish sports publication As, Mbappé defended his actions, stating he wore the garment modified to demonstrate support for "all the immigrants who have lost their lives" trying to reach Europe.
Sources: Der Spiegel, El Mundo, France24, NU.
How outlets assessed this
- Sep 18, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC
- El Mundo Critical El Mundo highlighted local frustration in Ceuta, citing residents who described the players' conduct as childish.
- France24 Neutral France24 focused on political fallout, highlighting criticism from conservative and far-right politicians in France and Spain.
Sources
- Der Spiegel — Kylian Mbappé: Real Madrid-Star verteidigt Umgang mit Ceuta-Shirts
- France24 — Mbappé draws fire from right wing in France, Spain over Ceuta t-shirt controversy
- NU — Mbappé verklaart 'halve' deelname aan steunactie Ceuta: 'Dacht aan migranten'
- El Mundo — División en Ceuta ante el gesto de Mbappé, Vinicius y Konaté: "Fue una payasada, los jugadores de hoy se comportan como niños"