World Cup 2026: French FA to take legal action after racist abuse of Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan senator

The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced it will initiate legal proceedings against Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she directed racist abuse at France captain Kylian Mbappe following Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16.

France secured their place in the quarter-finals thanks to Mbappe’s second-half penalty in a fiercely contested encounter in Philadelphia. The victory extended Didier Deschamps’ side’s impressive run at the tournament after topping their group before eliminating a resilient Paraguayan team in the knockout stage.

In a strongly worded statement, the FFF condemned Amarilla’s remarks and confirmed that the matter has been referred to prosecutors.

“The racist comments made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla toward Kylian Mbappe are utterly vile and unacceptable.

“How can anyone utter such words? These statements are criminal and condemnable. They must be prosecuted here and everywhere. The FFF is filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the purpose of judicial proceedings.”

Amarilla had posted a series of racist comments on social media after Paraguay’s elimination, referring to Mbappé with racist slurs and suggesting that Paraguay’s players should have physically assaulted the French captain after the match.

Among her offensive remarks, she wrote:

“This brute never even learned how to write. Instead of mother’s milk, he suckled coconuts, and the most educated beings he has ever heard were chimpanzees.”

She also added:

“The only thing many of us regret about La Albirroja is that they didn’t give him a full slap across the face at the end of the game. And I’m not even a football fan.”

Mbappé responded publicly, condemning both the racism and the damage he believes Amarilla’s comments have caused to Paraguay’s image, while making clear that she does not represent the country’s people or football team.

“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.”

The France captain also praised Paraguay’s players while denouncing the senator’s conduct.

“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, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.”

“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.”

France’s coaching staff also rallied behind their captain. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan described the senator’s remarks as “indignified, vile and scandalous,” echoing the federation’s stance ahead of Les Bleus’ quarter-final clash with Morocco.

Mbappé has been one of the standout performers of the 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old has led France to the quarter-finals after they finished top of their group with victories over Iraq and Sweden before overcoming Paraguay in the Round of 16. He has continued to spearhead an attack that also features Michael Olise, whose five assists lead the tournament, and Bradley Barcola, making France one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

The controversy has overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive tournament, with Mbappé himself stressing that the senator’s comments should not detract from the commitment and achievements of the South American side. France will now turn their attention back to football as they prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final against Morocco.