France forward Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla over a series of racist remarks made following France’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, calling her “despicable” and unworthy of holding public office.
Amarilla, a member of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted the comments on social media platform X after France’s 1-0 win, prompting widespread criticism.
Responding publicly, Mbappe wrote that Amarilla did not represent the values of Paraguay or the efforts of its national team during the tournament.
“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position,” Mbappe said.
“You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”
He added that her remarks had overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive World Cup campaign and accused her of spreading hatred and racism.
“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world,” he said.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it would file criminal charges against Amarilla, describing her comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.”
In a statement, the federation said the remarks were criminal in nature and deserved legal action, adding that the French national team represents the country and should not be subjected to racist abuse.
The Paraguayan government also distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, saying it “deplores and rejects” the statements and reaffirmed its commitment to respect, peaceful coexistence and human dignity.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for Mbappe, writing on social media: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity.”
The controversy comes just days after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert referred to France as “a squad from Africa” ahead of the Round of 16 clash, remarks that were also condemned by the FFF.
Mbappe scored the winning penalty against Paraguay to send France into the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco. The French captain is currently the joint-leading scorer at the tournament with seven goals, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Norway’s Erling Haaland.
