Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr Remove Ceuta Solidarity Shirts Before Real Madrid vs Elche

Real Madrid's star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., along with teammate Ibrahima Konate, found themselves at the center of a burgeoning controversy on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as they appeared to conceal a message of support for Ceuta before their La Liga clash against Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero. The players' actions, observed during the pre-match ceremony, have since triggered widespread debate across social media and Spanish football circles. Real Madrid Fans Waves Ceuta Flags in Message of Solidarity During UCL 2026-27 Match.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr Remove Ceuta Solidarity Shirts 

🚨DERNIÈRE MINUTE

Elche et le Real sortent avec « Todos somos Caballas », soutien à Ceuta.

Mbappé et Vinicius portent le t-shirt mal, slogan caché, puis l’enlèvent.

Konaté le garde à la main.

Le reste des deux équipes l’affiche.

Chez une partie des supporters madridistes : «… pic.twitter.com/NllziG2qyh

— Rafael Sereti (@RafaelSereti) September 15, 2026

Players from both Real Madrid and Elche walked onto the pitch wearing white shirts emblazoned with the slogan "Todos somos caballas" ("We are all mackerels"), a popular nickname for the residents of Ceuta. The back of the shirts featured the name of the city alongside the Spanish coat of arms. This initiative, backed by La Liga and promoted by the Asociación Valenciana de Empresarios, aimed to express solidarity with Ceuta following a significant influx of migrants in late July.

However, while most players displayed the message prominently, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. were seen with their shirts rolled up around their chests, effectively hiding the slogan. Reports indicate that the duo, who were the last to enter the pitch in the lineup, removed their shirts shortly after the official team photograph and before partaking in the traditional pre-match handshake with match officials and Elche players. Ibrahima Konaté also reportedly held his shirt in a manner that concealed the message and removed it quickly.

The Match: Real Madrid Secures a Late Victory

Despite the pre-match distraction, Real Madrid went on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche in the La Liga Matchday 6 fixture. The winning goal came in stoppage time from Carlos Espí, ensuring that Los Blancos left the Estadio Martínez Valero with all three points.

Broader Context and Previous Controversies

This incident is not an isolated one concerning the Ceuta solidarity campaign. Just days prior, Real Betis winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, a Moroccan international, faced severe backlash and threats on social media after wearing the same shirt before Betis' match against Villarreal. Ezzalzouli later clarified in an Instagram statement that his gesture was humanitarian, not political, and not intended to disrespect Morocco. Kylian Mbappe Meme: Real Madrid Star Addresses Viral 'Dictator' Memes Comparisons, Calls Online Criticism Excessive.

Real Madrid itself had reportedly highlighted the Ceuta initiative on its official website, and their supporters' association had even displayed a large tifo featuring Ceuta flags during a recent Champions League clash with Inter. The club later stated that the action was part of a broader campaign seen at other La Liga matches, though no public explanation has been offered by Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., or Konaté regarding their specific conduct.

The differing reactions from players highlight the complex intersection of sport, regional identity, and political sensitivities in Spain, particularly regarding Ceuta's geopolitical status. The incident ensures that the solidarity campaign will continue to be a talking point beyond the pitch.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 01:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).