‘Before I’m a Player, I’m a Human’: Mbappe explains Ceuta shirt decision

Kylian Mbappe has explained why he, Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konate rolled up Real Madrid’s pre-match shirts carrying a message of solidarity with Ceuta according to Daily Mail. The trio partially concealed the “We are all Caballas” slogan before Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Elche, sparking debate in Spain.

Mbappe stressed that he supports the people of Ceuta but wanted to acknowledge migrants who have died or are enduring difficult conditions amid the ongoing crisis. “Before I’m a player, I’m a human being,” the France captain said, explaining that his gesture was intended to highlight suffering on both sides rather than oppose Ceuta’s residents.

Real Madrid subsequently defended the players, saying they had been given freedom over whether to wear the shirts. Barcelona, meanwhile, chose not to wear them.