Kylian Mbappé has launched a scathing attack on a Paraguayan politician, branding her a “despicable woman” and unfit for office after she aimed a racist tirade at the France captain. The flashpoint erupted following Les Bleus’ heated 1-0 win over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a match decided by Mbappé’s first-half penalty.
The racist attack
Celeste Amarilla, a senator for Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, published a series of racist posts on X (formerly Twitter) in the immediate aftermath of the defeat. In the now-infamous thread, she described the Real Madrid forward as a “colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French,” and a “brute who had not learned to write.” Amarilla also suggested Paraguay‘s players should have slapped Mbappé after the final whistle.
“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.”
Mbappé’s strong rebuke
The 27-year-old World Cup winner did not hold back in his response on the same platform. In a statement that quickly went viral, Mbappé described Amarilla as “a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.” He added: “You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. 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.”
French federation files criminal charges
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it would file criminal charges against Amarilla, with president Philippe Diallo condemning the “abject racism” aimed at Mbappé. “These remarks have no place in football or society,” Diallo said. “We stand fully with Kylian and will pursue all legal avenues.” The incident has reignited the debate around online hate in football, with FIFA also indicating it would review the matter under its disciplinary code.
Key Takeaways
- Kylian Mbappé hit back at Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she called him a “colonised Cameroonian” and other racist slurs on X.
- The French Football Federation plans to file criminal charges, with widespread condemnation from across the game.
- The racist attack came after France’s 1-0 World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay, decided by an Mbappé penalty.
- Mbappé said Amarilla does not represent Paraguay’s values and accused her of tarnishing the team’s achievements.
Quick Facts
France vs Paraguay: 1-0, World Cup round of 16, July 5, 2026
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Mbappé’s role: Scored the winning penalty
Senator’s remarks: Colonised Cameroonian, brute, uneducated
FFF action: Criminal charges filed
Sources: The Guardian, Sky Sports, BBC Sport
