Rome, 7 July (LaPresse/AP) – French star Kylian Mbappé has condemned the racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator and posted on social media following France’s victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16. On Monday, Mbappé described Celeste Amarilla as a “despicable woman”. The senator had posted a series of racist comments targeting the French captain’s origins, upbringing, background and physical appearance. The French Football Federation announced that it would report the matter to the public prosecutor’s office. The Paraguayan government also condemned the remarks. Late on Monday evening, Amarilla published an open letter in which she wrote that she regretted having directed at Mbappé “the very same insults” that she herself had received in the past, and that she had deleted her post. However, she demanded an apology from the footballer and threatened legal action. “Through his recklessness and blatant racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and the historic commitment your players have shown during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote on X.
2026 World Cup: Mbappé condemns Paraguayan senator’s racist remarks: “Despicable”
Rome, 7 July (LaPresse/AP) – French star Kylian Mbappé has condemned the racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator and posted on social media following France’s victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16. On Monday, Mbappé described Celeste Amarilla as a “despicable woman”. The senator had posted a series of racist comments targeting the French captain’s origins, upbringing, background and physical appearance. The French Football Federation announced that it would report the matter to the public prosecutor’s office. The Paraguayan government also condemned the remarks. Late on Monday evening, Amarilla published an open letter in which she wrote that she regretted having directed at Mbappé “the very same insults” that she herself had received in the past, and that she had deleted her post. However, she demanded an apology from the footballer and threatened legal action. “Through his recklessness and blatant racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and the historic commitment your players have shown during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote on X.
