Kylian Mbappe Condemns Racist Remarks from Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla
Mbappe's Strong Response to Racism
French football star Kylian Mbappe has vehemently criticized Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for her racist comments directed at him on social media, following France's narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. After scoring the decisive penalty on July 4, Mbappe labeled Amarilla as "a despicable woman" and questioned her suitability for public office. He stated, "Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are unworthy of your position and do not represent Paraguay, a nation that has shown passion and honor throughout this competition."
Furthermore, Mbappe expressed concern over the repercussions of Amarilla's remarks, asserting, "Your reckless and blatant racism has overshadowed the remarkable journey and historic achievements of your players during this World Cup, allowing an incompetent woman to project a negative image of her country." He concluded with a firm stance, stating, "I will not permit individuals like her to propagate their hatred and racism globally."
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
Background on Celeste Amarilla
Celeste Amarilla is a senator representing Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party. She faced significant backlash after making derogatory comments about Mbappe on X, following Paraguay's exit from the World Cup. Amarilla referred to the French forward as "the brute who didn't even learn to write," and made a disturbing comparison to a chimpanzee. Additionally, she suggested that Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, should have shown Mbappe disrespect, stating, "You should've shown him the finger; I do it in the senate and nothing happens!!!"
In another post, Amarilla disparaged Mbappe's heritage, labeling him a "colonized Cameroonian" who is "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly." She claimed he was nervous and scared during the match, asserting that his team only won due to luck.
Match Details and Previous Controversies
France triumphed over Paraguay with a score of 1-0 in Philadelphia, with Mbappe scoring the crucial penalty. The match was marked by several intense moments, including a confrontation between Mbappe and goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the final whistle. Gill later recounted, "I attempted to shake his hand, but when he ignored me, I lost my temper."
Looking ahead, France is set to compete against Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on July 9, with Mbappe currently tied as the tournament's leading scorer, having netted seven goals alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi and Norway's Erling Haaland. Amarilla's comments followed a controversial statement from former Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who referred to France as "a squad from Africa." The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemned Chilavert's remarks, labeling him "a disgrace" and emphasizing that such comments undermine the core values of respect, fraternity, and diversity in football.