France advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Paraguay 1-0 last weekend, with Mbappé scoring the match’s only goal.
On Monday, July 6, Senator Celeste Amarilla posted a message on X in which she claimed Mbappé’s appearance meant he could not truly be French.
“A Cameroonian who was colonized, trying to become French. He’s like an animal that never learned how to read or write,” she wrote.
Mbappé responded forcefully, accusing the senator of disgracing both her office and her country.
“Mrs. Celeste Amarilla, you neither respect yourself nor the office you hold. You are a disgrace to your country. You do not represent Paraguay—a nation that fought with determination and pride throughout this World Cup,” Mbappé said.
He added that her racist views had overshadowed Paraguay’s achievements on the global stage.
“Because of your hatred and racism, the world has forgotten the remarkable journey and effort of Paraguay’s players and is instead focused on a politician who tarnishes her country’s image. I will never allow people like you to spread the poison of racism across the world.”
Despite Mbappé’s public response, the French Football Federation (FFF) is also expected to file a formal legal complaint over the senator’s remarks, seeking action against what it considers racist abuse.
French President Emmanuel Macron publicly backed the France captain, praising him for speaking out against discrimination.
“Another goal for Kylian Mbappé—this time against racism. He has my full support. When hateful words are spoken, our values respond. Those values are freedom, respect, and fraternity,” Macron said.
Paraguay’s Senate President, Basilio Gustavo Núñez Giménez, also distanced himself from Amarilla’s comments, condemning racism and hate speech.
“I firmly condemn racism, messages of hatred, and any behavior that undermines human dignity. Paraguay’s national team honored the World Cup. Politics and sport should always remain separate,” he said.
France will return to action on Thursday, July 9, when they face Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
