Kylian Mbappé condemns Paraguayan senator over 'despicable' racist abuse
Kylian Mbappé has condemned a Paraguayan senator on Monday for making racist comments about him after France's World Cup last-16 victory over Paraguay, calling her "despicable" and "not worthy" of her position. The remarks sparked widespread condemnation from French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron.
Issued on: 07/07/2026
By: FRANCE 24
France's forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates past Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Paraguay and France at the Philadelphia Stadium on July 4, 2026. © Mauro Pimentel, AFP
Kylian Mbappé on Monday labelled a Paraguayan senator "despicable" and "not worthy of her position" after she racially abused the France captain on social media following the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries at the weekend.
Mbappé's reaction came after Celeste Amarilla attacked the Real Madrid superstar in the wake of Saturday's game in Philadelphia, a bad-tempered affair which France won 1-0.
"Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position," Mbappé wrote on X.
"You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.
"Through your lack of awareness and your uninhibited racism, the entire world has already forgotten your team's run and historic effort at this World Cup," he added.
Amarilla racially abused Mbappé and, in another post, called him a "colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly", and accused him of being "scared to death" during the game.
Kylian Mbappé on Monday labelled a Paraguayan senator "despicable" and "not worthy of her position" after she racially abused the France captain on social media following the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries at the weekend.
Mbappé's reaction came after Celeste Amarilla attacked the Real Madrid superstar in the wake of Saturday's game in Philadelphia, a bad-tempered affair which France won 1-0.
"Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position," Mbappé wrote on X.
"You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.
"Through your lack of awareness and your uninhibited racism, the entire world has already forgotten your team's run and historic effort at this World Cup," he added.
Amarilla racially abused Mbappé and, in another post, called him a "colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly", and accused him of being "scared to death" during the game.
Mbappé penalty Paraguay use rowdy tactics © France 24
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The comments have provoked an angry reaction in France, with the country's sports minister, Marina Ferrari, describing them as "abject, disgraceful and all the more unacceptable coming from a politician".
Mbappé, whose father was originally from Cameroon before settling in France, scored the only goal of the game from a penalty in the second half, taking Les Bleus through to a quarter-final this Thursday against Morocco.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "racist attacks" directed at the France captain.
"The President of the Republic stands with Kylian Mbappé and the French team in the face of the racist attacks directed at the Bleus' captain," the Élysée Palace said.
The president of Paraguay has written to the French president condemning the remarks, as has the Paraguayan ministry of foreign affairs, the Élysée added.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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