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Mbappé clashes with Paraguayan senator over racist remarks
After France defeated Paraguay 1‑0 in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia on 4 July 2026, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla posted a series of racist attacks on X, calling Kylian Mbappé a “colonised Cameroonian” who “didn’t even learn to write” and mocking his upbringing. Mbappé replied on X, describing Amarilla as a “despicable woman” and “unworthy of her position,” and said she does not represent Paraguay.
The French Football Federation condemned the comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” announced it would file a criminal complaint with French prosecutors, and the Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation for aggravated public defamation. French president Emmanuel Macron and sports minister Marina Ferrari also denounced the remarks, affirming support for Mbappé and French values of liberty, equality and fraternity. Paraguay’s foreign ministry and government stated that Amarilla’s statements reflected a personal view and did not represent the country. The incident prompted additional reactions from Real Madrid, other politicians and international sport bodies, all calling for the end of racism in football.
The controversy remains a focal point of discussion on racism, political speech and the role of athletes in confronting hate speech.