FIFA President Gianni Infantino Stands Against Racism Following Remarks on Kylian Mbappe

Infantino's Support for Mbappe Amid Racist Remarks

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has expressed solidarity with French football captain Kylian Mbappe, condemning the racist comments made by a Paraguayan senator. These derogatory remarks came after Paraguay's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Infantino Denounces Racism

Senator Celeste Amarilla, a member of the opposition Liberal Party, made offensive statements about Mbappe, labeling him a 'colonised Cameroonian' and criticizing his identity. Infantino took to Instagram to firmly reject these comments, stating, "I unequivocally condemned the racist comments directed towards Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. All of football and society stand in solidarity with the France captain - we need to fight racism and defeat it all together."

Paraguay's Government Responds

In response, Paraguay's foreign ministry also condemned Amarilla's remarks, asserting that they contradict the nation's values of respect and dignity. The ministry emphasized that such comments do not reflect the views of the Paraguayan government or its citizens. The backlash from these statements has resonated in France, especially following the intense last-32 match in Philadelphia. Mbappe himself responded to the senator's comments, tweeting, "Mrs. Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position. You don’t represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition." The senator is now facing widespread criticism from the football community for her remarks.