Kylian Mbappe condemns racist remarks from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla

Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national football team, has publicly condemned the racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France's victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. This incident occurred on July 7, 2026, after Mbappe scored the decisive penalty in a tense match.

Mbappe's Response to Racism

After the match, Amarilla took to social media platform X to make derogatory comments about Mbappe. In response, he stated, “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”

Mbappe further criticized Amarilla, saying, “Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup.” His comments highlight the broader issue of racism in sports and the responsibility of public figures.

Legal Actions and Investigations

Following Amarilla's comments, French prosecutors initiated an investigation into aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred or violence. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that this probe was launched after receiving a complaint from the French Football Federation (FFF).

Amarilla responded to inquiries about the investigation, claiming she had not been formally notified of any legal proceedings. She suggested that the FFF should hire a lawyer before making accusations against her, emphasizing that France had no grounds to pursue a case.

FFF's Stance on Racism

The FFF issued a statement condemning Amarilla's remarks as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.” They emphasized that such comments are criminal and deserve prosecution, reiterating their commitment to combatting racism and all forms of discrimination in football.

• The FFF supports its players and all victims of hate speech.
• “These comments bring shame on those who make them and those who spread them,” the statement read.
• The FFF is referring the matter to public prosecutors for legal action.

The incident has sparked widespread discussions about the responsibilities of politicians and the impact of public statements on athletes and communities.