Macron Defends Mbappé Against Senator's Racist Slurs

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed national football captain Kylian Mbappé, denouncing racist insults directed at the player by Paraguayan liberal senator Celeste Amarilla. Macron took to social media to voice his support, condemning the senator's pejorative remarks.

"One more goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time. All my support," Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter). "When words tarnish, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity." The French president tagged the star forward in his post, emphasizing solidarity against prejudice.

The controversy ignited after France's World Cup round of 16 victory over Paraguay. A video circulated online showing Mbappé seemingly ignoring Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill's greeting. This moment apparently triggered senator Amarilla, who subsequently posted inflammatory comments on X, labeling Mbappé as "brutish," a "colonized Cameroonian," and "arrogant."

Mbappé swiftly responded to the senator's accusations, posting, "You are a despicable woman, unworthy of the position you hold." The exchange quickly gained traction online. The Paraguayan government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning Amarilla's comments, declaring them contrary to the nation's principles of peaceful coexistence and human dignity. The French Football Federation has also reportedly filed a complaint against the senator.