France captain Kylian Mbappé has strongly condemned racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s Round of 16 victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy erupted after Mbappé converted the decisive penalty in France’s win on Saturday. Amarilla, a member of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted offensive comments on social media targeting the French star’s origins, appearance, upbringing, and education. Her remarks drew widespread criticism both in Paraguay and abroad.
Responding on X, Mbappé described Amarilla as a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay’s Congress. He said her racist comments had overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive World Cup campaign and the achievements of its players.
Later on Monday, Amarilla deleted her original posts and issued an open letter in both French and Spanish. She claimed her criticism was directed at Mbappé rather than France and expressed regret for using insults similar to those she had experienced as a mixed-race woman. However, she also demanded an apology from Mbappé, alleging that his response amounted to gender-based violence and warning of possible legal action if he failed to retract his comments.
The Paraguayan government distanced itself from Amarilla’s remarks, stating they were contrary to the country’s values of respect, dignity, and peaceful coexistence. Officials emphasized that the senator’s views did not represent either the government or the Paraguayan people.
The French Football Federation also condemned Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent” and announced it would refer the matter to prosecutors.
French President Emmanuel Macron publicly backed Mbappé, writing that the France captain had scored “one more goal against racism.” Sports Minister Marina Ferrari and France assistant coach Guy Stéphan also voiced strong support, denouncing the racist abuse and reaffirming France’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
