France captain Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned a racist attack launched by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The striker described the politician as a “despicable woman” and said he would never allow racism and hatred to go unchallenged.
The controversy erupted after Mbappe’s penalty secured France a place in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Philadelphia. Following the match, Amarilla posted a lengthy racist message on social media, targeting Mbappe’s heritage and calling for Paraguay’s players to have “slapped him” after the final whistle.
Responding on Monday, Mbappe defended not only himself but also Paraguay’s players, insisting the senator’s comments did not reflect the values of the South American nation.
“Madame Celeste Amarilla, 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,” Mbappe wrote.
“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 incident has since drawn widespread condemnation from football authorities and political leaders in both France and Paraguay.
FRANCE FEDERATION AIMING LEGAL ACTION
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it would file a criminal complaint against Amarilla, describing her remarks as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.”
“These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The FFF is reporting the matter to the public prosecutor’s office with a view to legal proceedings,” the federation said.
“These remarks bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted.”
France assistant coach Guy Stephan also condemned the comments in the strongest possible terms.
“We haven’t spoken with Kylian yet, haven’t had the opportunity,” Stephan said.
“But in three words: it’s disgraceful, vile, outrageous.”
PARAGUAY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM REMARKS
The Paraguayan government swiftly distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, stressing that they reflected only her personal views and not those of the country or its people.
In an official statement, the government said it “deplores and rejects the statements” made by the senator, adding they were “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.”
It also clarified that Amarilla’s remarks “in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people.”
Paraguay’s National Congress also criticised the senator’s comments.
Congress president Basilio Nunez said the remarks did not represent the “genuine values” of Paraguayans.
“As President of the National Congress, I strongly reject racist, xenophobic messages and those that incite violence against any person,” Nunez said.
“The Paraguayan national team gave their all with honour and grit at the World Cup. Politics and sports should be kept separate.”
France, meanwhile, marched into the quarter-finals thanks to Mbappe’s decisive penalty, but the fallout from Saturday’s encounter has extended far beyond the football pitch, with the France captain once again taking a firm stand against racism.
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