Mbappe explains controversial Ceuta migrant crisis stance: 'I am a human'

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FT Desk

Kylian Mbappe has sought to explain why he did not fully embrace a supportive message to the city of Ceuta before a Real Madrid game this week.

The Frenchman has explained his actions to Diario AS, saying:

“I want to explain it well so that people understand. It was a decision of the clubs to put the shirt on, to wear the shirt. The players had to wear it. The first thing I want to say is that I have all the solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims. Because before being a player, I am human. 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 harsh conditions.

“It was not an easy position, difficult, because in the end people may think that I am against the people of Ceuta but no, absolutely not. I have nothing against them, and I support them 100% with my thoughts. But I also wanted to have a thought for all the people who suffer, because in the end I am human and I don’t want to put priority on suffering.

"There are people who suffer, and it makes me very sad to see that in the world. I’m a guy who wants the best for the world we have. I intend to give a message of positivity and peace, and I hope that this will be solved quickly.”

Three months ago, the Spanish territory of Ceuta experienced a significant surge in migration when tens of thousands of people attempted to cross the border from Morocco. Many tried to reach Ceuta by swimming along the coast or by passing through areas of the land border. The sudden and unusually large number of arrivals placed considerable strain on border officials and emergency services.

The crossing attempts were extremely dangerous, and dozens of migrants lost their lives, with many deaths caused by drowning. In response, Spanish authorities deployed additional police officers and military personnel to help control the situation and respond to those arriving.

Real Madrid and Elche players wore shirts in support of Ceuta before their game on Tuesday night. Ibrahima Konate, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe appeared to roll up the t-shirts to obscure the message.

Ceuta is a Spanish exclave on the north African coast. At least 72,000… pic.twitter.com/qCt7e2QLXR

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 16, 2026

Following the influx, many of the migrants who had entered Ceuta were eventually returned to Morocco. Others remained in the territory temporarily while waiting for support or longer-term arrangements. The events also led to increased diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco as well as between right-wing and left-wing parties within the European nation.

All players in this round of La Liga fixtures were given the option of wearing a shirt which featured the slogan "Todos somos Caballas,” roughly meaning “We are all from Ceuta.”

Ahead of Real Madrid's game against Elche, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr wore the shirts onto the pitch but rolled them up so only part of the support message could be shown, while Ibrahima Konate did not wear the shirt at all and simply held it in his hand.

Some Real Madrid fans were not happy with the trio, especially since a number of supporters expressed their support for Ceuta ahead of the Champions League fixture versus Inter a week ago.

The World Cup winner has used his public platform to express his views on social issues previously, including immigration. He has emphasised the importance of accepting differences, promoting unity and standing against far-right ideologies.

Mbappe's father is an immigrant to France from Cameroon.