Kylian Mbappe condemns racist remarks by Paraguayan senator
France captain Kylian Mbappe has publicly condemned racist remarks made against him by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the World Cup in Philadelphia on Saturday. Mbappe scored the winning penalty in a tense match.
In a post on social media platform X, Amarilla referred to Mbappe as a 'colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French' and called him a 'brute' who allegedly never learned to write. She also suggested that Paraguayan players should have slapped Mbappe after the match.
Mbappe responded in a statement on X, calling Amarilla 'a despicable woman and unworthy of her position.' He said: 'You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. 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, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.' He added: 'I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
Mbappe's response quickly gained widespread attention, with over 50 million views on social media. Thousands of users expressed support for the French star and condemned Amarilla's remarks. Many commented on the senator's conduct as a public official.
The French Football Federation (FFF) also responded, announcing plans to file a criminal complaint over the comments. In a statement, the FFF said: 'These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The FFF is reporting the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. These remarks bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted.'
Paraguay's government also publicly rejected Amarilla's statements, stressing that they do not reflect the views of the country or its people. The government emphasised its commitment to respect and equality.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in sports and the responsibilities of public figures. The match itself was a hard-fought contest, with France advancing to the quarter-finals.
