What began as a World Cup defeat for Paraguay quickly spiraled into an international scandal over racism. After Paraguay's elimination by France in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla incited a storm by posting a series of racist comments about Kylian Mbappé on the social media platform X, capturing global attention.
At the end of the match, Mbappé did not shake hands with the opposing team's goalkeeper and instead celebrated the victory. In response to this action, the senator unleashed a barrage of insults that were unexpected from a sitting lawmaker.
Amarilla labeled Mbappé a "colonized Cameroonian pretending to be French, bitter, nouveau riche, arrogant, and ugly" in one message on X. She continued with a second tweet, claiming Mbappé "couldn't even learn to write," that he "sucked on coconuts instead of breast milk," and that "the most educated thing he heard were chimpanzees." These statements quickly went viral.
Mbappé responded directly, stating, "Ms. Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a nation that has shown passion and honor throughout this competition. I will never allow individuals like her to spread their hatred and racism worldwide." French President Emmanuel Macron supported Mbappé with a resonant statement: "One more goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism."
Institutional support poured in. The French Football Federation announced a criminal complaint, the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation for "public insults and incitement to hatred," the UN Human Rights Office condemned the remarks, and even the Paraguayan government "deplored and rejected" their senator's words, clarifying they did not reflect the Guaraní people's views. Amarilla, however, did not back down, escalating the controversy with further outrageous remarks.
Initially, she issued a half-hearted apology, claiming she was from a "generation" where such comments were common and that she was "deconstructing" her views. Yet, the following day, she reignited the controversy in the Senate chamber, calling Mbappé a derogatory name. She later published an "open letter" accusing him of "gender violence and political violence against women" and threatened legal action. In a press conference, she concluded with a warning that elicited both shock and laughter: "Don't mess with Paraguayans, Mbappé; we've already put Ronaldinho in jail here."
The scandal didn't occur in isolation. Before the match, former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert had provocatively stated that his team wasn't facing France but rather "an African team," referencing the French squad's diverse ethnic background. Meanwhile, Mbappé continues his journey in the tournament: with seven goals, he ties for the Golden Boot lead alongside Messi and Haaland, and France is set to face Morocco this Thursday in the quarterfinals in Boston.
Key Controversies Surrounding Kylian Mbappé and Racism
What triggered the racist remarks from the Paraguayan senator?
The remarks were triggered by Mbappé's actions after France's victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup, where he chose not to shake hands with the opposing goalkeeper and celebrated the win.
How did Kylian Mbappé respond to the senator's comments?
Mbappé responded by calling the senator "despicable and unworthy" of her position and stated that she did not represent the true spirit of Paraguay.
What has been the reaction from international bodies and governments?
International bodies and governments, including the French Football Federation, the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office, the UN Human Rights Office, and the Paraguayan government, have condemned the remarks and taken actions such as launching investigations and filing complaints.