Real Madrid has voiced support for its players' right to express differing opinions following the recent t-shirt controversy involving forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Prior to Tuesday's La Liga match against Elche, both players covered up a display of solidarity with the people of Ceuta by lifting their shirts, rendering the slogan "Todos somos caballas" ("We are all mackerels") unreadable before discarding them entirely as they exited the tunnel.

This action comes in response to over 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from Morocco recorded in July, which has sparked solidarity movements across Spain. A Real Madrid official confirmed that the club accepted Elche’s request to wear the shirts but emphasized the importance of allowing players to choose whether to participate.

In a related display of support, Real Madrid previously showcased a tifo during their Champions League match against Inter Milan, where fans displayed placards featuring the Ceuta flag. Meanwhile, Barcelona opted out of wearing the shirts during their match against Levante.

The controversy has also affected Moroccan international Ez Abde, who faced online abuse after wearing the shirt before Real Betis' game against Villarreal. Abde defended his actions, stating, "At no point was the shirt referring to the people of Ceuta used with a political purpose... It was a shirt with a social purpose, intended to support a community."

In the match, Real Madrid triumphed in a thrilling encounter, winning 3-2 with a stoppage-time goal from Carlos Espi after a comeback from Elche leveled the score late in the game.