Mbappe calls Paraguayan senator 'despicable woman' after racist slur

French striker Kylian Mbappe has fiercely responded to a racist attack by a Paraguayan senator, labeling her a "despicable woman" on July 6. The senator, Celeste Amarilla, directed a lengthy and racist tirade at Mbappe following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, a match decided by a Mbappe penalty.

“

Mrs. Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a country that has fought with spirit and honor throughout the competition.

Amarilla, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), described Mbappe as a "colonized Cameroonian" attempting to disguise himself as French. She further insulted him as a "brutal person who has not learned to write" and suggested Paraguayan players should have slapped him after the game. This attack came despite Paraguay's spirited performance throughout the tournament.

“

Through your carelessness and your blatant racism, the whole world has forgotten the journey and historic efforts made by your players during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst image of her country.

Mbappe, captain of the French national team, issued a strong rebuttal, defending himself and the Paraguayan players. He stated, "Mrs. Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a country that has fought with spirit and honor throughout the competition." He accused her of carelessness and blatant racism, which he believes overshadowed his team's historic efforts and presented a terrible image of her country.

“

I will never let people like her freely spread their hatred and racism around the world.

"I will never let people like her freely spread their hatred and racism around the world," Mbappe declared. The French Football Federation (FFF) has backed Mbappe, condemning the senator's statements as "disgusting and unacceptable." The FFF announced its intention to file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office, stating that such remarks are criminal and reprehensible and must be prosecuted.

“

These statements are criminal and reprehensible. These statements must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The FFF is reporting this matter to the prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings.