French captain Kylian Mbappé and the French Football Federation have strongly condemned Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla for posting racist slurs on social media following France's 1-0 World Cup victory over Paraguay on July 4, 2026. Amarilla called Mbappé a "colonised Cameroonian" and a "brute." Mbappé labeled her "despicable" and "incompetent," while the FFF reported her comments to the public prosecutor's office. The Paraguayan government has officially distanced itself from her remarks.
Amarilla racist remarks against Mbappé
- ▪Celeste Amarilla criticized Kylian Mbappé's appearance and attitude, labeling him "resentful, arrogant and ugly" and suggesting Paraguayan players should have slapped him
- ▪Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla posted on social media calling Kylian Mbappé a "colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French."
- ▪Celeste Amarilla described Kylian Mbappé as a "brute" who "never even learnt to write" and claimed he "sucked on coconuts" instead of breast milk
France-Paraguay World Cup match context
- ▪France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup round-of-16 match in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick
- ▪Kylian Mbappé is tied for the tournament lead with seven goals in four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mbappé public condemnation statement
- ▪Kylian Mbappé stated that Celeste Amarilla's "brazen racism" overshadowed the historic journey and effort made by the Paraguayan players during the World Cup
- ▪Kylian Mbappé responded to Celeste Amarilla on July 6, 2026, calling her a "despicable woman" who is "unworthy of your position" and an "incompetent woman."
FFF legal proceedings report
- ▪France's sports minister Marina Ferrari condemned Celeste Amarilla's remarks, stating that by targeting Kylian Mbappé, the senator attacked liberty, equality, and fraternity
- ▪The French Football Federation reported Celeste Amarilla's comments to the public prosecutor's office with a view to initiating legal proceedings
Paraguayan government distancing response
- ▪Basilio Nunez, the leader of the Paraguayan legislature, strongly rejected Celeste Amarilla's messages, stating that politics and sports should be kept separate
- ▪The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting Celeste Amarilla's remarks, stating they do not represent the position of the Paraguayan government or its people
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