Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konate drew attention before Tuesday’s La Liga encounter with Elche after partially concealing the message displayed on their pre-match shirts in support of Ceuta.
Players from both teams entered the Martinez Valero stadium wearing white tops bearing the words “Todos somos caballas,” meaning “We are all Ceutans,” alongside references to the Spanish autonomous territory on Africa’s northern coast.
While the majority of footballers displayed the slogan openly, Mbappe, Vinicius and Konate folded their shirts upwards to approximately chest level, covering part of the inscription.
Mbappe and Vinicius subsequently took off the garments before the customary handshake, whereas Konate continued wearing his for a longer period.
Other Real Madrid and Elche players retained the shirts throughout the pre-match proceedings.
The gesture followed an earlier expression of solidarity by Real Madrid supporters.
During the club’s Champions League fixture against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on 8 September, fans in the southern stand held up cards showing Ceuta’s coat of arms, while spectators across the stadium applauded.
The campaign followed a significant migration episode in Ceuta after large numbers of people crossed from neighbouring Morocco.
According to figures released by Ceuta’s mayor, about 72,000 migrants entered the territory on 30 and 31 July.
Many attempted to reach the Spanish enclave by swimming around a border barrier, with at least 100 fatalities reported.
Although a large proportion of those who arrived were subsequently returned, up to 5,000 people were reported to remain in temporary camps, on streets or along beaches.
The situation contributed to tensions within the territory.
Some residents raised concerns about security, while others reportedly damaged temporary accommodation and obstructed assistance intended for migrants.
The solidarity campaign has not received universal participation across Spain’s top division.
Barcelona declined to join, while footballers involved in several other La Liga matches appeared in the shirts without covering the statement.
The demonstration came before an eventful match in which Real Madrid defeated Elche 3-2 after allowing a two-goal advantage to disappear.
Carlos Espi secured victory with a stoppage-time goal, while Mbappe also found the net and Vinicius featured in the starting line-up.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong