Mbappe Responds to Racist Attack by Paraguayan Senator
Following France’s 1‑0 win over Paraguay in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kylian Mbappé faced a barrage of racist abuse on social media. Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla took to her 𝕏 account and labelled the Real Madrid forward a “colonised Cameroonian who has pretended to be French,” adding further insults about his character and accusing him of being frightened during the match.
The forward’s reply was swift and unequivocal. He described Amarilla as a “despicable woman” unfit to hold office, accused her of tarnishing Paraguay’s honourable tournament effort, and warned that he would not tolerate the spread of hatred and racism.
French Football Federation Moves to Press Charges
The French Football Federation (FFF) condemned the senator’s statements as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.” It announced that it would file criminal complaints, forwarding the case to the public prosecutor’s office for possible prosecution. The FFF stressed that such remarks disgrace both the individuals who make them and those who amplify them, insisting that the French national team represents the nation’s values.
Paraguayan Government and Macron Show Support
Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced the country from Amarilla’s comments, stating that they contradict the nation’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and human dignity. The ministry clarified that the senator’s views do not reflect the position of the Paraguayan government or its people.
French President Emmanuel Macron also backed Mbappé, praising his stand against racism and affirming that France’s values of dignity, respect, and fraternity would prevail over hateful rhetoric.
Broader Context of Racist Remarks
The controversy emerged shortly after former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert suggested that France would be facing “a squad from Africa” before the match. FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned Chilavert’s remarks, labeling them racist and contrary to the spirit of the sport.
With Paraguay eliminated, France prepares to meet Morocco in the quarter‑finals on Thursday, July 9 at 9 p.m. local time.
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