Ceuta Solidarity Backlash
Real Betis Player Faces Backlash Over Solidarity Shirt for Ceuta Enclave
Anonymous
Key Points
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More than 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco were reported in July, providing the immediate humanitarian context for the solidarity campaign.
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The campaign was promoted by the Association of Valencian Entrepreneurs, which framed “Todos somos Caballas” as support for Ceuta’s residents and for Spain’s “territorial and social cohesion.”
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Ezzalzouli was born in Beni Mellal, moved to Spain with his family at age seven, and chose Morocco over Spain internationally; he has since made 37 appearances for Morocco.
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The gesture came as Ezzalzouli returned to Real Betis’ starting lineup after recovering from a knee problem, while fellow Moroccan international Ilias Akhomach did not participate because he was among Villarreal’s substitutes.
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Some of the online abuse included explicit threats, including one message warning Ezzalzouli that he would “live among us in terror” and another suggesting that his last appearance for Morocco should serve as “a lesson.”
Moroccan player Abde Ezzalzouli faced online abuse and threats after wearing a "We are all Caballas" shirt before a Real Betis match in solidarity with Ceuta residents. The campaign, backed by Real Betis and LaLiga, expresses support for Spain's North African enclave following a mass migrant arrival from Morocco in July. Ezzalzouli said the gesture was social, not political, and that he should not face questions about his loyalty to Morocco.
The shirt campaign has expanded across Spanish football, with Real Madrid players wearing the message before their match at Elche. However, some star players—including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Ibrahima Konaté—reportedly covered or obscured the slogan. The initiative highlights deep sensitivities around Ceuta, which Morocco claims despite Spanish administration.
A Summer Crisis Sparks Solidarity
The campaign began after July brought chaos to Ceuta. More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave in a single month. Hespress reported that the Association of Valencian Entrepreneurs launched the "Todos somos Caballas" initiative to support Ceuta's community and Spain's territorial cohesion. Players wore the shirts on match day to show solidarity.
Ezzalzouli Denies Political Motivation Amid Online Threats
Ezzalzouli, born in Morocco but a Spanish resident since age seven, came under fire for wearing the shirt. Some online messages included explicit threats. One warned he would "live among us in terror." Another suggested his last Morocco appearance should be "a lesson." Ezzalzouli rejected claims that he disrespected Morocco. He said the gesture was purely social and did not merit an apology.
The 24-year-old has earned 37 caps for Morocco's national team. Real Betis and LaLiga publicly backed him. Club officials said questioning his loyalty crossed a line. The support from his league and club reinforced that the shirt campaign was meant to help Ceuta residents, not spark a diplomatic row.
Star Players Split on Public Display of Support
Real Madrid joined the campaign before their match at Elche, but some of Europe's biggest names took a cautious approach. ESPN reported that Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Konaté covered or rolled up portions of the shirt to obscure the message. Their choice to hide the slogan reflected lingering sensitivities around Morocco's territorial claim on Ceuta.
Meanwhile, Villarreal player Ilias Akhomach, also a Moroccan international, did not wear the shirt at all—he was among the substitutes that day. His absence highlighted how the campaign created a difficult choice for players with ties to both Spain and Morocco.
Campaign Frames Message as Humanitarian, Not Political
Organizers have consistently stressed that "Todos somos Caballas" focuses on Ceuta's residents and their struggles, not on rejecting Morocco or settling a border dispute. Several Spanish clubs have now adopted the shirts. LaLiga's backing sent a clear signal: the league views the campaign as a humanitarian gesture within football's values of solidarity.
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