Kylian Mbappé hit back at racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla after France’s FIFA World Cup win, while the senator later demanded an apology and threatened legal action.
Kylian Mbappe (R) of France competes during the round of 16 match between France and Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, July 4, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
France captain Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory, calling her “despicable” and “unworthy” of public office as the controversy triggered condemnation from FIFA, the French Football Federation and the Paraguayan government.
The controversy began after France edged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, with Mbappe scoring the winning penalty to send the defending champions into the quarter-finals.
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Following the defeat, Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted racist comments targeting Mbappé on X.
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Mbappe responded with a strongly worded statement, calling the senator’s remarks “despicable” and saying she did not represent the values of Paraguay.
“You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.
Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.
I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.”
The Government of Paraguay swiftly distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, stressing they reflected only her personal views and not those of the state or the Paraguayan people.
In an official statement, the government said the remarks were contrary to the country’s commitment to human dignity, equality and peaceful coexistence.
It also reaffirmed its opposition to racism, xenophobia, intolerance and all forms of discrimination while expressing solidarity with those offended by the senator’s comments and reiterating its longstanding friendship with France.
The French Football Federation described Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable” and confirmed it would file a report with French prosecutors seeking legal action.
“These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The players of the France national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted,” the FFF said.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also condemned the abuse, saying football must remain a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
“I unequivocally condemn the racist remarks made against Kylian Mbappe… The entire football world and society stand in solidarity with the France captain. We must fight racism and defeat it together.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced his support.
“Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity.”
Hours later, Amarilla published an open letter acknowledging that her original posts had been written “in the heat of the moment” and saying she deleted them after realising she had responded with the same kind of abuse she condemns.
However, she took issue with Mbappe calling her “despicable” and “unworthy of office,” demanding that the France captain retract his remarks and apologise.
Claiming she had been subjected to “gender-based political violence,” Amarilla warned she could pursue legal action if Mbappé failed to apologise.
“I demand that you retract your statements and apologise to me… You attack my dignity as a woman and as a political representative.
Retract your statements, honour your French citizenship, and apologise. Otherwise, I may pursue legal action for gender-based violence.”
The controversy comes as Mbappe continues to shine on the pitch. His seventh goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 secured France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Morocco.
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