France forward Kylian Mbappé has denounced Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla as “despicable” and unfit for office after she posted racist comments mocking his background and education on X following Paraguay’s World Cup last-16 loss to France.
In a post addressing Amarilla, Mbappé said she does not represent Paraguay, a nation that showed passion and honour throughout the tournament. He accused her of brazen racism that overshadowed the team’s historic run, and vowed not to let people like her spread hatred.
The French Football Federation (FFF) called Amarilla’s remarks “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable” and said it will file a criminal complaint, noting the comments are criminal and must be prosecuted. The federation added that such statements disgrace those who make and share them, and that insulting the national team is an insult to France.
Paraguay’s government also condemned Amarilla’s statements, saying they run counter to the country’s values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in Saturday’s match, sending France into a quarter-final against Morocco in Boston on Thursday. He now has seven goals in the tournament, level with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring chart.
French president Emmanuel Macron praised Mbappé’s stand, writing that it was “another goal” against racism and affirming support for dignity, respect, and fraternity.
Amarilla’s remarks came after former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert said before the game that Paraguay would face “a squad from Africa,” comments FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned as racist and “disgraceful,” saying Chilavert, once a great goalkeeper, had fallen into disrepute.