‘Despicable woman’: Kylian Mbappé blasts Paraguayan senator over racist attack
France’s Kylian Mbappe (AP Photo) France captain Kylian Mbappé has slammed Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarillo after she posted a series of racist remarks on social media following Paraguay’s elimination from the World Cup. The controversy erupted after France beat Paraguay in the round of 16 on Saturday, with Mbappé’s decisive penalty sending Les Bleus through to the quarter-finals. After the match, Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted posts on X mocking the French star’s background, appearance, education and background.
by Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé responded publicly on Monday, condemning the comments and accusing the senator of overshadowing the historic tournament for Paraguay. “Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort your players made during this World Cup,” wrote Mbappé on X. The French forward also described Amarilla as a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” to serve in the Paraguayan Congress. The backlash quickly spread beyond football. The Paraguayan government issued an official statement distancing itself from the senator’s statements and condemning them. The statement described Amarilla’s comments as “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country upholds.” The authorities also emphasized that her views do not represent either the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people. The French Football Federation also issued a strong response, calling the comments “absolutely disgusting” and “unacceptable”. The federation said it would refer the matter to the public prosecutor. Support for Mbappé came from the highest levels of the French government. Emmanuel Macron publicly supported the striker, as did French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. “By targeting Kylian Mbappé, the senator attacks everything our captain embodies and everything our country stands for: freedom, equality and fraternity,” Ferrari wrote on X.
contribution by Emmanuel Macron
Macron also expressed his support, writing: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism,” adding that the France captain has his “full support.”The latest controversy comes just days after former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert sparked criticism ahead of the match by calling France an “African unit”. In response, French federation president Philippe Diallo said that Chilavert “was once a great goalkeeper” but had now “fallen into disgrace”. France will now turn their attention back to the pitch as they prepare to face Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals, while the fallout from the racist remarks will continue to dominate the headlines off the pitch.