"The remarks by senator Celeste Amarilla targeting French national team captain Kylian Mbappe go against the values and principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that Paraguay always pursues," the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a 6/7 announcement.

The Paraguayan government spoke out after Amarilla, of the opposition Liberal Party, in a lengthy post on X on 5/7, called Mbappe "a colonized Cameroonian trying to pretend to be French." The lawmaker also described the French player as "rude," "illiterate," and said Paraguayan players "should have slapped Mbappe after the match."

"Those statements absolutely do not reflect the views of the government or the people of Paraguay," the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

On 4/7, the French national team defeated Paraguay one-zero in a tense match at a stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to advance to the quarterfinals. Mbappe scored the only goal of the match.

Senator Celeste Amarilla in Asuncion, Paraguay, 3/2021. Photo: AFP

Amarilla's comments sparked outrage in France. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "racist remarks" targeting Mbappe.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it would file a criminal complaint, describing the Paraguayan lawmaker's statements as "utterly disgusting and unacceptable."

"These statements show signs of violating the law and deserve condemnation. Legal action must be taken, whether in France or anywhere else," the FFF stated.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates the sole goal that helped France beat Paraguay one-zero in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, 4/7. Photo: AP

The French President's Office stated that Paraguayan President Santiago Pena sent a letter to the Elysee Palace to express solidarity with France and criticize Amarilla. Paraguayan Parliament President Basilio Nunez affirmed that the controversial comments do not represent the "true values" of the Paraguayan people.

Mbappe also responded to the Paraguayan lawmaker.

"Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable person and unworthy of the position you hold," Mbappe wrote on X. "You do not represent Paraguay, a country that fought with all its passion and honor throughout the tournament."

By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)