On Monday, Kylian Mbappé openly denounced a politician from Paraguay who targeted the French attacker with racist and degrading remarks after France’s victory.
Following Paraguay’s World Cup defeat to France, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla published several social media updates labeling the 27-year-old striker a “colonized Cameroonian” pretending to be French. Amarilla further insulted him as a “brute” who “never even learned to write.”
“Instead of breast milk, he sucked on coconuts, and the most educated creatures he ever listened to were chimpanzees,” Amarilla stated in Spanish.
Replying on X, Mbappé blasted Amarilla’s remarks as hateful and racist, labeling her a “despicable woman” whose views do not reflect her country. Meanwhile, Mbappé commended the Paraguayan squad for competing with “passion and honor” during the competition.
The French Football Federation announced that it has flagged Amarilla’s statements to prosecutors to initiate legal action. FFF President Philippe Diallo condemned the senator for vilifying both Mbappé and France, re-emphasizing his complete backing for all national team players.
On Monday, the Paraguayan government issued an official statement asserting that it “deplores and rejects” Amarilla’s slurs, while restating its dedication to equality, human rights, and mutual respect.
Although FIFA did not give a statement when contacted by MS NOW, the governing body has positioned the fight against hate speech and bias as a core focus of the current World Cup. The federation implemented an uncompromising policy by tightening its regulations and promoting the #NoDiscrimination initiative.
The offensive remarks surfaced after France knocked Paraguay out of the World Cup with a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s Round of 16 clash, courtesy of a decisive penalty kick converted by Mbappé.
Having secured a spot in the quarterfinals, France is scheduled to face Morocco this coming Thursday in Massachusetts.
