Florentino Pérez arrives in Ceuta as Real Madrid offer support through action

Florentino Pérez visited Ceuta alongside Real Madrid honorary president José Martínez “Pirri” and director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueño. The delegation was welcomed at the city hall by Ceuta president Juan Jesús Vivas as the club expressed its support for residents dealing with a serious migration crisis.

REAL MADRID DELEGATION VISITS CITY HALL

The Real Madrid representatives arrived on Friday morning. Pérez and Pirri signed Ceuta’s book of honour before taking part in an official meeting with the city’s authorities.

“We support and stand in solidarity with all the people of Ceuta. We hope the city can return to normality as soon as possible,” the Real Madrid president said.

Pérez also made it clear that the trip had been arranged in advance and would have taken place regardless of the latest developments. That distinction matters because the visit came only days after the dispute surrounding the “Todos somos caballas” shirts presented before Real Madrid’s match against Elche.

AN EMOTIONAL RETURN FOR PIRRI

Pirri’s presence gave the visit a personal dimension. The Real Madrid legend was born in Ceuta and spoke about both his attachment to the city and his sadness over the situation facing its residents.

“Ceuta is part of my memories and my roots. I suffer because of what is happening. I am with you,” Pirri said.

Vivas thanked the delegation and stressed that Real Madrid had not travelled to Ceuta for a match or another sporting event. The purpose was to demonstrate institutional support, encouragement and solidarity with the city.

A MEASURED INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE

The visit does not erase the earlier debate involving Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté. Nor should it be portrayed solely as a response to that controversy, given Pérez’s statement that the trip had already been planned.

Real Madrid nevertheless took concrete action. The club was represented by its president, honorary president and senior institutional director, who met the local authorities and residents in person instead of limiting the response to a statement issued from Madrid.

The club also avoided turning the visit into a political declaration. Its message remained focused on solidarity, support and the hope that Ceuta can return to normality quickly. In a tense situation, that restraint gave the gesture greater credibility.