France captain Kylian Mbappé has accused Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla of racism following comments she made on social media after Paraguay's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The encounter was marked by several physical challenges, with Paraguay adopting an aggressive approach in an attempt to frustrate the French side.
Following the match, Amarilla criticized Mbappé after he refused to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. She went on to post a series of insulting remarks on social media, including comments that Mbappé described as racist.
Responding on Monday, the Real Madrid forward condemned the senator's remarks and said they did not represent the people of Paraguay.
"Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has shown passion and honour throughout the competition," Mbappé said.
He added that her comments had overshadowed Paraguay's impressive World Cup campaign.
"Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world," he said.
The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, also condemned the senator's comments and pledged the federation's full support for Mbappé.
Diallo described the remarks as "criminal and reprehensible," adding that the federation would file a report with prosecutors to pursue legal action.
"I offer my full support to our captain, to the players, and more generally to all the victims of such odious remarks. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is insulted," he said.
The exchange has sparked widespread condemnation online, with many football fans and anti-racism advocates calling for stronger action against discriminatory abuse directed at players.
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