Mbappé calls Paraguayan congresswoman 'disgusting' over racist remarks
Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kylian Mbappé criticized a Paraguayan congresswoman for racist remarks following France's win over Paraguay.
- Congresswoman Celeste Amarilla made derogatory comments about Mbappé's origin and intelligence.
- Mbappé called Amarilla a "disgusting woman" and stated he would never accept such hateful rhetoric.
French football captain Kylian Mbappé has fiercely condemned Paraguayan congresswoman Celeste Amarilla for making racist and unacceptable comments about him following France's narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16.
Amarilla directed harsh and offensive criticism at Mbappé on social media, questioning his intelligence and origin. She made derogatory remarks, including comparing him to a "savage" who had not learned to write and suggesting he was raised on coconuts and learned from chimpanzees. She also referred to him as a "colonist from Cameroon" pretending to be French, calling him "rich, arrogant, and ugly."
Mbappé responded directly to Amarilla on X, calling her a "disgusting woman" and unfit for her public office. He stated that her prejudiced and irresponsible words cast a shadow over the national team's performance and presented a false and harmful image of Paraguay. Mbappé emphasized that he would never tolerate hateful rhetoric spreading unchecked globally.
The congresswoman's comments also extended to her own team, suggesting Orlando Gill, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, should have given Mbappé a middle finger. This incident highlights a concerning trend of personal attacks and xenophobia in public discourse, even extending to international sports figures.
Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.