Mbappe Condemns Paraguayan Politician for Racist Remarks

Kylian Mbappe, captain of the French national team for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, strongly condemned a Paraguayan senator on July 6 (local time) for making racist remarks directed at him.

According to the Associated Press and the BBC, Mbappe took to X (formerly Twitter) that day to criticize Senator Celeste Amarilla of the Paraguayan Authentic Radical Liberal Party, calling her a "despicable woman who does not deserve to be in that position."

"Because of your recklessness and blatant racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and historical efforts your players achieved in this World Cup," Mbappe pointed out.

He further emphasized, "I will never allow people like her to have the freedom to spread hatred and racism across the world."

After Mbappe scored a penalty kick to lead France to victory in the Round of 16 match against Paraguay on July 4, Senator Amarilla posted a series of racist messages on X mocking his background, upbringing, education, and appearance.

French Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari stated she was "outraged" by the senator's comments, adding, "The fact that she targeted Mbappe is an attack on all the values our team captain represents and everything France stands for: liberty, equality, and fraternity."

The French Football Federation also stated that Senator Amarilla's remarks were "utterly disgusting and unacceptable," and announced plans to file a complaint with French judicial authorities regarding the matter.

The Paraguayan government stated that the senator's remarks do not represent the government or the people of Paraguay, calling them "an act that contradicts the values and principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country pursues."

France advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 match held at a stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4.

During the match, Paraguayan players engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct, such as kicking Mbappe in the shins and digging up the turf near the penalty spot before Mbappe took his penalty kick.

Jose Luis Chilavert, a former goalkeeper for the Paraguayan national team, had also referred to France as a "team from Africa" prior to the match.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.