Kylian Mbappé, the star of the France national team, spoke out on Monday against the racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.
In a message posted to his X account, Mbappé condemned Amarilla as a “despicable woman unworthy of her office.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) also released a statement on the same day, describing the senator’s comments as “racist,” and “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” and announced plans for legal action.
During Saturday’s World Cup round of 16 match, Mbappé demonstrated his skill by scoring a penalty in the 70th minute, leading France to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a defensively solid Paraguay.
Mbappé remarked on the match: “We knew what kind of match we were going to have… We can also get our hands dirty, we know how to do it. We know how to play ugly football. They probably thought we would show up in tuxedos, but we were ready.”
In two social media posts, Amarilla brutally attacked the Real Madrid forward, labeling him “stupid” and claiming he refused to shake hands with Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Orlando Gill. She even suggested that Gill should have given Mbappé the middle finger.
In response, Mbappé declared: “You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a country that has shown passion and honor throughout this competition.”
He added, “Through your recklessness and blatant racism, you have overshadowed the historic achievements of your players during this World Cup, promoting an image of incompetence that reflects poorly on your country.”
“I will never allow individuals like her to propagate their hatred and racism across the globe.”
The FFF’s statement emphasized, “The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla towards Kylian Mbappé are completely unacceptable.”
Paraguay’s Vice President, Pedro Alliana, criticized Amarilla, stating, “Football is an expression of brotherhood. It should unite countries and people. In the realm of its passions and emotions, there is no place for discrimination.”
Congreswoman Johanna Ortega also condemned Amarilla’s comments, stating: “On the field, we may be opponents, but off it, we share much more: respect, dignity, and the pursuit of equality. As a member of the Paraguayan Congress, I express my solidarity and apologies to the French people.”
Mbappé’s performance has him tied with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as the current leader in the World Cup goalscoring race with seven goals.
On July 9, France will face off against Morocco in the quarterfinals.