Paraguay condemns senator’s racist tirade against Mbappé
The Paraguayan government condemned Senator Celeste Amarilla’s racist comments targeting Kylian Mbappé on Monday. The authorities labeled the remarks “contrary to values and principles” that promote peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
The controversy erupted after France eliminated Paraguay. Mbappé scored the decisive goal in the round of 16 clash on Saturday.
Two days later, Amarilla published a lengthy racist message on X, mocking the French captain’s origins, education, and appearance.
“He didn’t even learn to write. Instead of drinking mother’s milk, he was sucking on coconuts,” she wrote.
Mbappé fired back. He called Amarilla a “despicable woman” who was “not worthy” of sitting in Paraguay’s Congress.
“Because of your recklessness and shameless racism, the world has already forgotten the journey and historic effort your players made in this World Cup,” he wrote.
Support poured in for Mbappé. French President Emmanuel Macron offered his “total support.” Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated: “By attacking Kylian Mbappé, the senator attacks everything our captain embodies and everything our country represents: liberty, equality, fraternity.”
France assistant coach Guy Stéphan condemned the remarks as “revolting, abject, and scandalous.”
Amarilla later backtracked. She published an open letter acknowledging her error. However, she demanded apologies from Mbappé for his response.
The Paraguayan government clarified that Amarilla’s views “did not represent the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people.”
