French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has forcefully responded to a racist attack from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, calling her a 'despicable woman' after she insulted him following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 on July 4. The incident has sparked international condemnation, with the French Football Federation (FFF) announcing plans to file criminal charges and Paraguay's government distancing itself from the senator's remarks.
Racist Tirade on Social Media
In a series of posts on X, Amarilla referred to Mbappe as a 'colonized Cameroonian' who is 'desperately trying to pass himself off as French.' She also called him 'resentful, newly rich, arrogant and ugly,' and claimed he was 'nervous and scared to death the whole match.' Amarilla wrote that many Paraguayans demanded the team not slap Mbappe after the game, adding she is 'not even a soccer fan.'
Mbappe's Response
Mbappe, captaining France in the tournament, responded directly to Amarilla on X. '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,' he wrote. He accused her of racism that has 'already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup.' Mbappe vowed never to allow 'people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
Legal Action and Government Condemnation
The FFF announced it is reporting the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings, calling Amarilla's remarks 'utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.' Paraguay's foreign ministry also issued a statement condemning the senator's comments, saying they are 'contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity' and 'in no way represent the position of the government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people.'
Amarilla Demands Apology, Accuses Mbappe of Gender Violence
In a follow-up post on Monday, Amarilla claimed she regretted using racist insults but demanded an apology from Mbappe. She accused him of 'gender violence' and 'political violence against a woman who reached her position through the popular vote of her people.' Amarilla argued her anger stemmed from Mbappe's pre-match comments that France would have to 'put its hands in s***' to face Paraguay, which she interpreted as a slight against the nation. Mbappe has not yet responded to her latest remarks.
