Deschamps Addresses Mbappé’s Well-Being After Controversy

In Foxborough, Massachusetts, France’s coach Didier Deschamps assured fans that Kylian Mbappé is in good spirits after a Paraguayan senator made a racially charged comment directed at him following France’s round-of-16 victory against Paraguay.

Deschamps stated, “Kylian is fine. Regardless of what transpired, I prefer not to dwell on it. He’s incredibly resilient, both mentally and physically. Right now, he’s focused on the upcoming match. His mood is great, like everyone else in the squad.”

Mbappé, 27, recently referred to Paraguayan politician Celeste Amarilla as a “despicable woman unworthy of her position” in a post on X.

In that same post, he expressed frustration, saying, “Thanks to your recklessness and brazen racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and historic effort our players have made in this World Cup, ceding the floor to an incompetent woman who projects a terrible image of her country. I will never allow individuals like her to spread hatred and racism globally.”

Amarilla retaliated with an open letter, threatening legal action for gender-based violence unless Mbappé issued an apology. Meanwhile, the Paris public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation against her for potential aggravated assault and incitement of hatred or violence.

The Paraguayan government later released a statement expressing regret over Amarilla’s comments. The French Football Federation condemned her remarks as “criminal and reprehensible,” prompting a criminal inquiry.

Deschamps also mentioned uncertainty about midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni’s availability for the match against Morocco, noting he was “doing better” but that no decision had been made. Tchouaméni missed the recent round-of-16 match due to a groin laceration.

Additionally, Deschamps confirmed that France’s appeal regarding Michael Oliseh’s yellow card had been unsuccessful, following a contentious suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card. The press conference ended with Moroccan journalists voicing concerns about being inadequately allowed to ask questions compared to foreign media.

In an unrelated development, England player Jordan Henderson shared on Instagram that he broke his arm while celebrating a victory over Mexico and has undergone surgery in Kansas City.