Kylian Mbappe has hit back at a Paraguayan senator, calling her “despicable” and unfit for public office after she posted racist comments targeting his background and education following France’s last-16 win over Paraguay.
Celeste Amarilla, a member of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, made the remarks on X in the aftermath of her country’s World Cup elimination. Mbappe didn’t hold back in his response, saying Amarilla failed to represent the passion and honor Paraguay’s players had shown throughout the tournament. He argued her comments overshadowed the historic run of Paraguay’s squad and vowed not to let people like her spread hatred unchecked.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it will pursue criminal charges, calling the comments abhorrent and stating that such remarks must face prosecution. The federation emphasized that the insult extended beyond the players to France itself.
Paraguay’s government distanced itself from Amarilla’s statements, saying they contradict the values of respect and peaceful coexistence the country promotes.
On-Field Heroics Amid Off-Field Controversy
Mbappe scored the winning penalty in the second half of Saturday’s match, sending France through to face Morocco in the quarter-finals in Boston. The goal also pushed his tournament tally to seven, tying him with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot race.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support, framing Mbappe’s response as a symbolic victory against racism, standing alongside the values of dignity and unity.
Second Incident Involving Paraguayan Football Figure
Amarilla’s comments came shortly after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert made his own controversial remark ahead of the match, describing France’s team dismissively in a way that referenced their African heritage. FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned Chilavert as well, saying his statement betrayed the principles of respect and diversity in football and tarnished his legacy as a former top-level goalkeeper.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
