Kylian Mbappe effigy burned in Paraguayan festival as legal clash with senator escalates

A giant effigy of French forward Kylian Mbappe was set alight during Paraguay's San Juan festival, where participants traditionally burn a figure representing the year's most controversial public person. The act followed Mbappe's remarks after France defeated Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, which had already triggered a dispute with Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, who used racially charged language in criticizing the player.

Paraguayan officials have apologized for the senator's comments, while France’s Football Federation filed a complaint and French prosecutors opened an inquiry into Amarilla's statements. Amarilla’s lawyer says a defamation suit could lead to a three‑year prison term for Mbappe under the extradition treaty between Paraguay and France, though the maximum penalty for the senator herself is one year. Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Santiago Peña have each publicly defended their nationals, underscoring the diplomatic and legal dimensions of what began as a sports controversy.