2026 World Cup: Paraguayan Female Senator Faces Backlash for Racially Offensive Remarks Against Mbappé, Refuses to Apologize and Accuses Him of Gender Discrimination

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, an unexpected controversy erupted between two recently competing nations. Celeste Amarilla, a sitting female senator from Paraguay, ignited widespread condemnation after posting racially charged remarks on her personal social media, directly targeting French star forward Kylian Mbappé. The post quickly went viral, prompting Mbappé to issue a detailed public rebuttal and triggering a wave of international backlash demanding Amarilla’s apology.

Surprisingly, the senator refused to apologize. Instead, she released an open letter accusing Mbappé of committing 'gender-based political violence' and demanded that he apologize to her. She even threatened legal action against the Real Madrid forward.

However, before Amarilla could escalate legally, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to international outlets like the Associated Press that they had received a formal criminal complaint from the French Football Federation (FFF). The National Anti-Cyber Hate Crime Unit has since launched an official investigation into Amarilla, charging her with aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred and violence.

The controversy began after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, with Mbappé scoring the decisive penalty kick. As a member of Paraguay’s Radical Liberal Party, Senator Amarilla vented her frustration on X (formerly Twitter), calling Mbappé an idiot and mocking his Cameroonian-African heritage. She claimed he 'grew up drinking coconut milk instead of breast milk' and referred to the entire French team as 'chimpanzees.' She even suggested that Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, should have flipped Mbappé the middle finger on the pitch.

The post rapidly gained attention through media and fan shares. In response, Mbappé posted a strong rebuttal on his social media, condemning Amarilla as 'despicable' and unworthy of public office. 'Your reckless and blatant racism has erased all the efforts of Paraguayan players on the pitch, leaving only a disgraceful politician who tarnishes your nation’s image. I will not allow such hate and racism to spread freely in this world,' he wrote.

As public anger intensified, Amarilla deleted the controversial post but quickly issued a defiant public statement. She claimed her remarks were made in a 'moment of emotional intensity' and emphasized her mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage. She justified her anger by citing Mbappé’s refusal to shake hands with Paraguay’s goalkeeper.

While the initial part of her statement seemed conciliatory, the tone shifted sharply. Amarilla accused Mbappé of gender discrimination, stating: 'You have no right to call me a despicable woman unfit for office. This is pure gender-based violence. This is political violence against a woman elected by the sacred votes of the people. You are disrespecting me because of my gender. I demand you retract your words and apologize immediately, or I will file a lawsuit for gender-based violence.'

Paraguay’s government swiftly distanced itself from the controversy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement condemning Amarilla’s remarks as contrary to universal values of peace and human dignity. It clearly stated that her comments were personal and did not represent the stance of the Paraguayan government or its people.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid, Mbappé’s club, released a strong statement condemning the senator’s hate speech, asserting that such incitement has no place in modern society or sports. The club pledged full support for Mbappé.

Currently, Mbappé, who is tied with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals, is preparing with the French national team in Boston, USA. They are set to face Morocco in the quarterfinals, rekindling their dramatic semifinal clash from the previous World Cup.