France forward Kylian Mbappe condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla as "despicable" following her racist comments about his origin and education. The remarks came after France's victory over Paraguay in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on July 6, 2026.
Kylian Mbappe's Strong Response
In response to Amarilla's posts on X, Mbappe 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." He emphasized that Amarilla's actions overshadowed the efforts of the Paraguayan team.
The French football federation (FFF) announced plans to pursue legal action against Amarilla, labeling her comments as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable." The FFF stated, "These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere."
Reactions from Officials and the Public
The Paraguayan government expressed its disapproval, stating it "deplores and rejects the statements" made by Amarilla, aligning with the values of respect and human dignity. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for Mbappe, stating, "Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity."
Historical Context of Racist Remarks in Sports
Amarilla's comments follow similar remarks made by former Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who described the French team as "a squad from Africa" before the match. The FFF president, Philippe Diallo, condemned Chilavert's statements, calling him a "disgrace" and affirming the need for respect and diversity in football.
- Kylian Mbappe: Joint top-scorer of the tournament with 7 goals.
- FFF Actions: Plans to file criminal charges against Celeste Amarilla.
- Presidential Support: Emmanuel Macron's public backing for Mbappe.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
