According to a report by ESPN on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, France is weighing legal action after Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made racist remarks directed at French forward Kylian Mbappé following France’s World Cup Round of 16 victory over Paraguay.
The France captain reacted strongly on Monday, condemning the comments in a post on X, where he described Amarilla as “a disgrace to public office” and accused her of promoting hatred and racism.
The French Football Federation (FFF) also issued a statement denouncing the senator’s remarks as racist and unacceptable, adding that it intends to pursue legal proceedings over the incident.
The controversy comes after France secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday. Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, sending the defending European side into the quarterfinals.
Speaking after the match, Mbappé praised his team’s resilience against a disciplined Paraguayan side.
“We expected a difficult contest and knew we had to fight for every ball,” he said. “This team can adapt to any style of play. We were prepared for a physical battle and did what was needed to win.”
Following the game, Amarilla posted messages on social media in which she insulted the Real Madrid star, allegedly calling him “stupid,” accusing him of refusing to shake hands with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, and suggesting the goalkeeper should have responded with an obscene gesture.
Responding to the attack, Mbappé said the senator’s actions had overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive performance at the tournament.
You do not represent the people of Paraguay, a nation that has shown passion, commitment and dignity throughout this competition,” he wrote.
Your reckless and racist remarks have shifted attention away from the remarkable achievements of your national team and instead projected a negative image of your country to the world.
“There is no place for hatred or racism in football, and I will continue to speak out against those who spread such intolerance.”
The French Football Federation reaffirmed its support for Mbappé, describing Amarilla’s comments as “deeply offensive, racist and completely unacceptable.”
Paraguay’s Vice President, Pedro Alliana, also rejected the senator’s remarks, stressing that football should unite people rather than divide them.
Football represents friendship and mutual respect among nations. There is no place for discrimination or prejudice in the sport,” he said.
Paraguayan lawmaker Johanna Ortega likewise condemned Amarilla’s comments and offered an apology to the French people.
On the pitch we compete, but beyond football we are connected by shared values of respect, dignity and equality. I extend my solidarity to the French people and regret the comments that have caused this controversy, she said.
Mbappé has now scored seven goals at the tournament, putting him level with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
France will face Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on July 9.
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