By Roy Denish.
Mbappé racism row escalates after Celeste Amarilla’s remarks, with France’s captain, FFF, Macron and Paraguay all responding.
PHILADELPHIA: Mbappé racism row escalated after France captain Kylian Mbappé condemned Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, calling her a “despicable woman” following France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, according to dailymail.co.uk.
Amarilla published several derogatory posts on X after Saturday’s match in Philadelphia, which France won through Mbappé’s 70th-minute penalty. She described Mbappé as a “colonized Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French,” and also called him a “brute who had not learned to write.”
She also suggested that Paraguay’s players should have slapped him after the final whistle, dailymail.co.uk reported.
Mbappé racism row draws official response
Mbappé answered directly on social media. He defended himself, but he also praised the South American side’s dignity during the tournament.
“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position,” Mbappé wrote. “You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honor throughout the competition.”
The French superstar added that Amarilla’s “brazen racism” had overshadowed Paraguay’s historic effort and journey at the tournament. As a result, the Mbappé racism row quickly moved beyond a post-match dispute and became a diplomatic and legal issue.
The French Football Federation also raised the matter formally. The FFF said it plans to file a report with the public prosecutor’s office to begin legal proceedings. It described the senator’s comments as “criminal and reprehensible,” and said such remarks shame those who make and spread them.
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the national team captain on social media. He said Mbappé had scored “another goal,” this time against racism.
Meanwhile, Paraguay’s government moved quickly to distance itself from Amarilla’s comments. In an official statement, it said it “deplores and rejects” the senator’s remarks. It also stressed that her comments reflect only her personal responsibility and do not represent Paraguay’s government or citizens.
France will face Morocco in Friday’s World Cup quarterfinals. Mbappé also remains tied at the top of the Golden Boot race with seven goals, even as the Mbappé racism row continues to dominate the aftermath of France’s win.
