Konaté Addresses Ceuta Shirt Controversy Ahead of Real Madrid’s Leipzig Match
Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté has explained his involvement in the controversy surrounding a solidarity shirt worn before the club’s La Liga match against Elche, saying he did not understand the slogan at the time. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig, the French international said he could appreciate different perspectives on the incident but wanted his attention to remain on football.
The comments follow widespread discussion in Spain after Konaté, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior appeared in shirts connected to a campaign supporting Ceuta. The episode prompted questions about the message, how the shirts were worn and the players’ decision to remove them before the customary pre-match greetings.
What Happened With the Ceuta Shirt?
The incident took place on 15 September, before Real Madrid’s league fixture against Elche. Players wore shirts bearing the words “Todos somos caballas”, commonly translated as “We are all people of Ceuta.” The campaign was intended to express solidarity with the Spanish city on the North African coast amid tensions linked to migration across the nearby Moroccan border.
Some players, including Konaté, Mbappé and Vinícius, appeared to cover part of the slogan while wearing the shirts. The discussion intensified when Mbappé and Vinícius removed theirs before the teams completed the traditional greeting. The images quickly circulated online, prompting criticism and debate about the campaign’s meaning and the players’ actions.
Konaté said he had not fully understood the wording when he put on the shirt. He explained that he learned more about the situation in Ceuta afterward and could see why people might interpret the campaign differently.
“Honestly, I did not understand well what was written on the shirt,” he said. “After that, I learned what happened in Ceuta, and I can understand both points of view.”
Konaté Says He Wanted to Avoid Taking Sides
The defender also referred to his family background when discussing the issue. Although he was born in France, his parents are from Africa, he said, and he is aware that many people have experiences connected to migration and identity. In his view, the subject is complex and cannot be reduced to a single interpretation.
Konaté added that people who commit crimes should face consequences, while stressing that he had not understood the shirt’s message when he wore it. He described his position at the time as neutral and said his immediate focus had been the match.
“I came to Real Madrid to play football,” he said, adding that he accepted that some people might disagree with his stance. His response offered clarification without attempting to reopen the dispute, while acknowledging the strong feelings the campaign generated.
Champions League Focus Comes Before the Clásico
With Real Madrid preparing to face Leipzig in the Champions League, Konaté was keen to keep attention on the next fixture rather than the upcoming Clásico against Barcelona. He recognised the significance of the rivalry but argued that looking too far ahead could undermine the team’s preparation.
“If we win tomorrow, that will help us before the Clásico,” he said. “But if we focus on the Clásico, we will not arrive at it in good shape. The priority is tomorrow’s match, because we want to win the Champions League.”
The Leipzig game carries an added personal dimension for Konaté. He spent time at the German club from 2017 to 2021 before moving to Liverpool and later joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2026. Facing former team-mates, he said, would make the occasion special, but the main objective remained securing a result.
A victory could also strengthen Madrid’s position in the league phase. Finishing among the top eight would provide a direct route to the Champions League round of 16, making every point valuable as the competition develops. Any football prediction for the match must account for both the tactical challenge posed by Leipzig and Madrid’s need to build momentum before a demanding run of fixtures.
Konaté Praises Mourinho and Madrid’s Young Talent
Konaté also spoke warmly about José Mourinho, praising the Portuguese coach’s presence and influence. He described Mourinho as having an “exceptional aura,” saying players listen closely and show him respect when he speaks. The defender’s remarks underline the importance he places on leadership and clear communication within a competitive dressing room.
He also highlighted the progress of 19-year-old Yan Diomande, describing the young player as talented and hardworking. Konaté said he was pleased with the performances Diomande has produced recently, while suggesting that consistent effort in training is helping him make an impression.
The French defender said he had benefited from having fellow French players around him at Real Madrid. Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni had spoken to him about the club before his move, and he said he was happy to share a dressing room with them. He also wished Ferland Mendy a speedy recovery, noting that the team needs him available.
Refereeing Frustrations and a Positive Start in Madrid
Asked about officiating, Konaté said Real Madrid had not been fortunate with some refereeing decisions early in the season. He also confirmed that he had read about the Negreira case, a long-running controversy concerning payments made by Barcelona to a company linked to a former senior refereeing official.
However, Konaté made clear that he did not want the issue to distract him from his responsibilities on the pitch. His priority, he said, was to play, help the team and pursue results rather than become absorbed in debates beyond his control.
Overall, the defender described his first experience at Real Madrid as better than expected. He said adapting had not been difficult and credited people at the club with helping him settle. With major domestic and European challenges ahead, his message was straightforward: focus on the next match, compete for every title and let performances do the talking.
