Mbappé Condemns Paraguayan Senator Over Racist Remarks After World Cup Match

France captain Kylian Mbappé has condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla over racist remarks she made following Paraguay's defeat to France in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 , saying her comments overshadowed the historic achievement of the Paraguayan team.

Mbappé responded strongly to Amarilla's posts on X , calling her a “despicable woman” and saying she was “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay's Congress. The France star criticised what he described as her “recklessness” and “brazen racism”, adding that her comments had shifted global attention away from the efforts made by Paraguay's players during the tournament.

Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party , had posted a series of comments targeting Mbappé after he scored the winning penalty in France's victory over Paraguay. Her remarks reportedly mocked the French captain's origins, upbringing, education and appearance , leading to widespread criticism.

The Paraguayan government issued a statement condemning the comments, describing them as contrary to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity . It clarified that Amarilla's statements did not represent the government or the people of Paraguay.

The French Football Federation (FFF) also criticised the senator's remarks as “utterly abhorrent” and “unacceptable” , saying the matter would be referred to prosecutors.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Mbappé, saying the captain had his full backing and describing his response as another victory against racism. French sports minister Marina Ferrari said attacks on Mbappé targeted the values of liberty, equality and fraternity that France represents.

The controversy also followed comments made by former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert before the match, which drew criticism from French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, who said the former goalkeeper had fallen into disgrace.

France will now prepare to face Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals .