Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has reignited a dispute with French football star Kylian Mbappe, making further public statements that have been labeled as racist. Amarilla's renewed attacks come after France's victory over Paraguay in a recent World Cup match.
Following the match, Amarilla posted on social media platform X, using language that included racist insults and comparisons to chimpanzees. Mbappe responded on the same platform, calling her a "despicable" individual and accusing her of "spreading hatred and racism." He stated that he would "never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."
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During a Senate session, Amarilla continued her verbal assault, referring to Mbappe as a "son of a b****." She recounted an alleged incident where Mbappe refused to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the match. Amarilla contrasted Mbappe's perceived behavior with her idea of French values, referencing historical figures and philosophical concepts.
"This brute hasn't even learned to write," Amarilla wrote in one social media post, according to reports. She also described Mbappe as "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly," and suggested his team's victory was a "fluke."
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In response to Amarilla's comments, the French Football Federation (FFF) issued a statement of support for Mbappe. FFF President Philippe Diallo called the senator's remarks "criminal and reprehensible" and announced that the federation would file a complaint with the prosecutor's office for potential legal action. "The FFF is filing a report with the prosecutor's office for the purpose of judicial proceedings," the statement read.
Paraguay's national team faced criticism for their aggressive playing style during the match against France, which France won 1-0. Reports described instances of what were termed "dirty tactics," including fouls and attempts to provoke opponents. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill expressed frustration post-match, stating Mbappe had ignored his handshake attempt.
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Following Paraguay's exit from the tournament, footage emerged on social media showing some Paraguayan fans burning effigies of Mbappe. This act is reportedly part of a traditional festival in Paraguay where a doll representing the country's "most hated person" is burned.
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Mbappe commented on his team's approach to the tournament, acknowledging their adaptability. "We showed that we were not just a team that knows how to play offensive football," he stated. "It's their way of playing."