France captain Kylian Mbappé has condemned racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, describing her as “despicable” and “unworthy” of public office, while the French Football Federation (FFF) announced plans to file a criminal complaint over the comments.
The controversy followed France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where Mbappé’s second-half penalty secured Les Bleus’ passage to the quarter-finals.
In a post on X after the match, Amarilla made a series of remarks targeting the French forward, referring to him as a “colonised Cameroonian” and questioning his French identity. She also described him as a “brute” and suggested Paraguay’s players should have physically confronted him after the game.
Reacting on Monday, Mbappé accused the senator of promoting hatred and racism, insisting that her comments did not reflect the values of the Paraguayan people.
“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,” Mbappé wrote.
The France captain added that Amarilla’s “brazen racism” had overshadowed Paraguay’s World Cup campaign and vowed not to remain silent in the face of discriminatory remarks.
The French Football Federation also condemned the senator’s comments, describing them as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” and confirmed it would file a criminal complaint with French prosecutors.
According to the federation, the remarks were not only directed at Mbappé but also constituted an attack on France, adding that such statements should face legal consequences.
Paraguay’s government distanced itself from the controversy, saying it “deplores and rejects” Amarilla’s comments and stressing that they reflected only her personal opinions rather than the position of the government or the Paraguayan people.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for Mbappé, posting on X: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time. All my support.”
Meanwhile, Basilio Núñez condemned the senator’s remarks, stating that they did not represent Paraguay’s values and reaffirming the country’s rejection of racism, xenophobia and incitement to violence.
France assistant coach Guy Stéphan described the comments as “disgraceful, vile and outrageous,” adding that the French squad had yet to discuss the incident with Mbappé.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, reigniting discussions about racism in football and the responsibility of public officials to promote respect and inclusion on the global stage.
