An ordinary World Cup victory for France turned into an international crisis after Kylian Mbappé launched a strong response to a racist taunt from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, calling her a “despicable woman” in a statement that has now gone viral. France beat Paraguay 1-0 in a fierce Round of 16 clash in Philadelphia, with Mbappé’s penalty kick proving crucial. With the victory, France managed to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The racist statement explained
Shortly after the match, Amarilla took X with a surprising voice aimed at Mbappé. He described him as “a colonial Cameroonian, trying hard to pretend to be French” and “a brute who never learned to write.” He even suggested the Paraguayan players should have slapped him after the game. The comments sparked immediate outrage, with many calling them blatantly racist and unacceptable.
Mbappé responds: “A woman to be despised”
Miss Celeste Amarilla,
You are a despicable woman and you don’t deserve her place.
He represents Paraguay, a country that showed passion and respect throughout the competition. Through your unconsciousness and your unbridled racism, the whole world has already… pic.twitter.com/EnYmgQXvPL— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 6, 2026
Mbappé did not stay silent; with a strong answer, France The captain defended himself with the Paraguayan team: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and you do not deserve your position. You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honor in all competitions,” he wrote.
“Through your carelessness and racism, the whole world has already forgotten the historic journey and efforts that your players accomplished during the World Cup, and gave way to a powerless woman who gives the worst image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and discrimination around the world,” he added.
France takes legal action
FFF PRESS RELEASE:
The racist comments made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are completely despicable and unacceptable. How can we give such a speech? This comment is criminal and reprehensible. They must be tracked here as… pic.twitter.com/AMVDvfrrYD
– FFF (@FFF) July 6, 2026
The French Football Federation confirmed it would pursue criminal charges, denouncing the remarks as “absolutely disgusting and unacceptable.” They said, “These words are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere,” the federation said, adding that the matter has been referred to prosecutors.
French President Emmanuel Macron also threw his support behind Mbappé, posting: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words pollute, our values respond: dignity, respect, brotherhood.”
As opposition grew, the Paraguayan government quickly moved to distance itself from Amarilla’s comments, saying they “hate and reject” his words and that they go against the country’s values of respect and coexistence. But the controversy didn’t end there, Amarilla doubled down, insisting his criticism was directed at Mbappé personally and not France, while confusingly framing his response as “sexual harassment” and even hinting at his legal action.
One more goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time. All my help. When words are polluted, our values respond: dignity, honor, brotherhood. @KMbappe 👏
Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 6, 2026
The incident has entered the international conversation about racism in football; at the same time, Mbappé continues his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, heading into the quarter-finals as one of the tournament’s top scorers.
(Feature Photo Credit: X/@KMbappe)
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