Mbappe's Strong Rebuttal to Paraguayan Senator's Discriminatory Remarks Receives Widespread Support

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Miami, July 6 - Reuters) Following Paraguay's elimination from the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 by France, a Paraguayan senator made racist remarks about French forward Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe responded forcefully, calling the senator "disgraceful."

According to Reuters, in a physical and intense match, France narrowly defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on the 4th, with Mbappe scoring the winning penalty kick, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla posted a lengthy, racist statement on social media platform X, calling Mbappe a "colonized Cameroonian desperately trying to impersonate a Frenchman" and insulting him as an uneducated "barbarian."

She also stated that Paraguayan players should have slapped him after the match.

Mbappe, captain of the French team, subsequently issued a strong statement, defending himself and speaking out for the Paraguayan players.

He wrote, "Ms. Amarilla, you are a disgraceful woman, completely unworthy of being a senator. You do not represent Paraguay, as this country has shown passion and honor throughout the tournament."

"Because of your recklessness and blatant racism, the world has now forgotten the journey and historic efforts of the Paraguayan players in this World Cup, and instead remembers an incompetent woman who has brought the worst image to her country."

"I will never allow people like her to have the freedom to spread hatred and racism around the world."

According to AFP, the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release: "The remarks made by Senator Amarilla about the captain of the French national team, Mbappe, are contrary to the values and principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country upholds."

The Ministry also said, "These remarks in no way represent the position of the government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people."

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "racist attacks" against Mbappe.

The Elysée Palace issued a statement saying, "In the face of racist attacks against the captain of the Blues, the President of the Republic stands with Mbappe and the French national team."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned Amarilla's remarks. He posted a statement on Instagram: "The entire football community and society stand with the captain of France. We must fight racism together and defeat it."(Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 0707

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