Paraguayan Senator Celebrates France's World Cup Exit Amidst Mbappé Controversy

Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla marked Spain's advancement to the 2026 World Cup final by celebrating France's elimination, using her recently recovered Instagram account to express her satisfaction. The senator's jubilant reaction comes after a significant international controversy involving French footballer Kylian Mbappé.

Shortly after Spain secured its place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France, Amarilla shared a GIF on her social media depicting a child making a 'zip-the-lips' gesture. She accompanied the image with the simple caption: "Spain 2 France 0." This post followed the recovery of her Instagram account, which had been hacked the previous week amidst the international scandal.

Upon regaining control of her profile, Amarilla had defiantly addressed her critics, stating, "Tell the French they can keep bothering me," referencing the backlash she received from European users. The conflict originated after Paraguay's 1-0 loss to France in the World Cup's round of 16, where Mbappé scored the decisive penalty.

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Tell the French they can keep bothering me.

Amarilla's public criticism of Mbappé, which she described as a response to his perceived "arrogance," included highly controversial and discriminatory remarks. She referred to the French captain as a "colonized, resentful, and ugly Cameroonian" and made disparaging comments about his intelligence and background. These statements sparked widespread outrage across Europe and from international organizations.

The controversy intensified when Mbappé himself responded to the senator, calling her an "unpleasant person who does not represent the Paraguayan people." Amarilla subsequently demanded a public apology from the footballer, threatening legal action.

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An unpleasant person who does not represent the Paraguayan people.