French soccer star Kylian Mbappé is now in the middle of a heated war of words with Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarillawhich has sparked legal investigations, political controversy and a social media storm. The fight happened after France beat Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup play-off, with Mbappé scoring a penalty. Following the loss, Amarilla took to social media with a series of offensive comments targeting Mbappé’s background, appearance and identity. Among remarks condemned worldwide, he described him as a “colonial Cameroonian, trying too hard to call himself French” and a “cruel who never learned to write.”
Amarilla later admitted, “Yes, my post against Mbappé he was a racist. That’s why I deleted it, it was unfortunate.” But in the same breath, he said to himself twice: “However, I will not apologize, I said what I wanted to say.”
Mbappé goes back
Mbappé did not remain silent, in response to X, the French captain wrote: “You are a despicable woman and you do not deserve your title. You do not represent Paraguay.” He went further, accusing Amarilla of tarnishing his country’s reputation: “Through your negligence and your racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and the historic efforts that your players accomplished.” He added, “I will never allow people like him the freedom to spread their hatred and racism around the world.”
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
The senator is sorry but demands an apology
Amarilla issued an open letter expressing partial regret, meanwhile escalate the conflict. “A short time later I regretted treating you with the same insults I receive,” he wrote, admitting that his actions were wrong. He still turned the spotlight on Mbappé, asking him to retract his criticism. “Who are you to call me unworthy or contemptuous when you don’t even know me!!” she responded, accusing him of “sexual harassment” and warning that he would face legal action if he failed to apologise. “I will not tolerate your abuse either,” he added.
🚨 Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla on her racist post about Kylian Mbappe:
“YES, my post against Mbappé WAS RACIST.
That’s why I deleted it, it was unfortunate.
However, I will not apologize, I said what I had to say.
I come from a society where gays were beaten and… pic.twitter.com/Ey2RdjZlkS
— The Sports Pulse (@Tsportspulse) July 7, 2026
Legal problems are on the rise in France
The dispute has now crossed over into the legal realm. French authorities have opened an investigation into Amarilla’s comments following a complaint by the French Football Federation, which called his remarks “totally despicable and unacceptable” and “criminal and reprehensible.” According to prosecutors, the investigation will examine whether his statements constitute public insults or incitement to hatred, offenses that can carry serious penalties.
Amid growing outrage, the Paraguayan government moved quickly to distance itself from Amarilla’s remarks, saying they “in no way represent” the country or its people and affirming its commitment to respect and coexistence.
At the same time, Amarilla tried to contextualize her character, citing her upbringing in a society shaped by racist language and attitudes. “I’m from that generation… now I’m trying to build Celeste Amarilla,” he said, pleading for patience.
