World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe brands Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla ‘despicable’ over racist attack

Kylian Mbappé has strongly condemned a Paraguayan senator after she made racist remarks targeting his background and education following France’s victory over Paraguay at the World Cup.

The France forward, who scored the decisive penalty in Saturday’s last-16 clash, accused senator Celeste Amarilla of disgracing her country and spreading hatred after she posted offensive comments on X in the aftermath of Paraguay’s elimination.

In a blistering response, Mbappe questioned her suitability for public office.

“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.”

He continued: “You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”

The 27-year-old also said Amarilla’s remarks had overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive World Cup campaign.

“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.”

Mbappe ended his statement with a firm warning against racism.

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

World Cup heroics continue

The controversy came shortly after Mbappe guided France into the quarter-finals with the winning spot-kick against Paraguay.

His latest goal took his tally to seven at the tournament, leaving him level with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as the competition’s joint leading scorer.

France will now turn their attention to a quarter-final showdown against Morocco in Boston as Mbappe looks to continue his outstanding World Cup form.

Racism controversy deepens

Amarilla’s comments are the latest in a series of controversial remarks directed at the French national team from figures in Paraguay.

Before the knockout encounter, former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert claimed his country would be facing “a squad from Africa”, a statement widely condemned as racist.

The comments prompted an immediate response from Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who criticised Chilavert in the strongest terms.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist remarks made by Jose Luis Chilavert against the French national team, which undermine the values of respect, fraternity, and diversity in our football,” Diallo said.

“If he was once a great goalkeeper, this man has now fallen into disgrace.”

The latest exchange has cast a shadow over France’s progress to the last eight, with Mbappe making it clear that racist abuse will not go unanswered as Les Bleus continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.