Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s World Cup victory.
Kylian Mbappe has launched a fierce response to racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, describing the politician as a “despicable woman” unworthy of public office.
The France captain scored the only goal of a tense and physical contest in Philadelphia on Saturday, converting the decisive penalty to send Les Bleus into the quarter-finals.
Shortly after the match, Amarilla posted a lengthy message on X containing racist insults directed at Mbappe, questioning his identity and making offensive comments about his background while suggesting Paraguay’s players should have physically confronted him.
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Paraguay senator Celeste Amarilla has made shocking racist remarks about Kylian Mbappé 🤮:
“This black boy hasn’t even learned to write. Instead of his mother’s milk, he sucked on coconuts, and the most educated beings he’s ever heard and been around were… pic.twitter.com/Chfn6rrdia
— 10 (@Kylian) July 6, 2026
Mbappe wasted little time in responding, issuing a strongly worded statement that defended both himself and the Paraguayan national team, while distancing the country’s players and supporters from the senator’s comments.
“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,” Mbappe wrote. He added that her “brazen racism” had overshadowed the remarkable efforts of Paraguay’s players and tarnished the country’s image on the global stage.
The 27-year-old also vowed to continue speaking out against discrimination, insisting he would never allow individuals to spread hatred unchecked. “I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world,” the France striker declared.
Madame Celeste Amarilla,
Vous êtes une femme méprisable et indigne de sa fonction.
Vous ne représentez pas le Paraguay, ce pays qui a transpiré la passion et l’honneur tout au long de la compétition. Par votre inconscience et votre racisme décomplexé, le monde entier a déjà… pic.twitter.com/EnYmgQXvPL— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 6, 2026
The French Football Federation (FFF) quickly threw its support behind its captain, announcing that it would pursue legal action against Amarilla. In a statement, the federation described her comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” adding that racist remarks of this nature are criminal and must be prosecuted wherever they occur.
Paraguayan authorities also distanced themselves from the controversy. The government issued a statement condemning Amarilla’s remarks as contrary to the nation’s values of respect and peaceful coexistence, stressing that her comments reflected only her personal views and did not represent either the Paraguayan government or its people.
National Congress president Basilio Nunez likewise rejected the senator’s statements, insisting they did not reflect the genuine values of Paraguayans and calling for politics and sport to remain separate.
Support for Mbappe also arrived from the highest levels of French government. President Emmanuel Macron publicly backed the France captain with a message on X, writing: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support.”
France assistant coach Guy Stephan also condemned the incident, describing the senator’s comments as “disgraceful, vile and outrageous” as Les Bleus prepare to continue their World Cup campaign.
