France captain Kylian Mbappé strongly criticized Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she posted a series of racist comments on social media following Paraguay’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup. The controversy erupted after France beat Paraguay in the Round of 16 on Saturday, with Mbappé scoring the decisive penalty to send Les Bleus into the quarter-finals. After the match, Amarilla, a senator from the Liberal Radical Party of Paraguay, published posts on X mocking the background, appearance, education and origin of the French star.
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Mbappé responded publicly on Monday, condemning the comments and accusing the senator of overshadowing a historic tournament for Paraguay. “Through your indifference and your senseless racism, the whole world has forgotten the journey and the historic effort made by your players in this World Cup,” wrote Mbappé in X. The French forward also described Amarilla as a “despicable woman” who is “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay’s Congress. The backlash quickly transcended football. The Paraguayan government released an official statement distancing itself from the senator’s remarks and condemning them. The statement described Amarilla’s comments as “contrary to the values and principles that encourage peaceful living and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” Authorities also stressed that his views do not represent the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people. The French Football Federation also issued a strong response, branding the comments “absolutely disgusting” and “unacceptable.” The federation said it will refer the matter to the prosecutors. Support for Mbappé comes from the highest levels of the French government. Emmanuel Macron The public supported the striker, as did French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. “By targeting Kylian Mbappé, the senator attacked everything that our captain embodies and everything that our country stands for: freedom, equality and brotherhood,” Ferrari wrote in X.
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Macron also expressed his support, posting. “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism,” while adding that the France captain has his “full support.”The latest controversy comes just days after former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert sparked criticism before the match by calling France “a squad from Africa.” In response, French federation president Philippe Diallo said Chilavert “used to be a great goalkeeper” but now “has 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 racist remarks continues to dominate the headlines off the field.