Mbappé Responds to Racist Attack from Paraguayan Senator
In Miami, Kylian Mbappé, the French striker, reacted strongly on Monday after a Paraguayan senator made a racist comment following the World Cup exit of her team. He referred to her as a “despicable woman.”
Mbappé’s penalty was crucial in a tense match where France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on Saturday, allowing them to progress to the quarter-finals.
Celeste Amarilla, the senator, wrote a lengthy and racist tirade about Mbappé, labeling him a “colonized Cameroonian desperately trying to pass himself off as French” and calling him a “savage” who had never learned to write.
She further suggested that Paraguayan players should have physically reprimanded him after the match.
In his response, Mbappé defended not just himself but also the players from Paraguay. He stated, “Mrs. Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, which has sweated passion and honor throughout the tournament.”
He criticized her for overshadowing the remarkable achievements of Paraguayan players during the World Cup, saying it allowed “incompetent women” to manifest the worst image of her country.
“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread hatred and racism around the world,” he emphasized.
Legal Actions
The French Football Federation (FFF) has taken the situation seriously, calling Amarilla’s comments “completely abhorrent and unacceptable” and announcing intentions to pursue legal action against her.
They stated, “These statements are criminal and condemnable. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. FFF is reporting this matter to the public prosecutor’s office with a view to legal proceedings.”
According to FFF, such remarks bring shame not only to the speaker but also to anyone who supports them, insisting that the French national team represents the country and that is being insulted.
The Paraguayan government expressed regret over Amarilla’s words, stating they oppose such views, which contrast with the country’s principles promoting dignity and peaceful coexistence. They clarified that her statements reflect her personal responsibility and do not represent the government or the people.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office also condemned the senator’s remarks, mentioning that the Paraguayan president has expressed his support. Macron praised Mbappé for his actions against racism, stating, “Another goal of Kylian Mbappé. This time it’s against racism. We support it with all our might.”
Basilio Nuñez, leader of the South American national parliament, stated that Amarilla’s comments do not reflect Paraguay’s true values. He firmly rejected any form of racism or violence against individuals.
“Paraguay’s national team gave its all with honor and spirit at the World Cup. Politics and sport should be separated,” he added.
Meanwhile, France’s assistant coach, Guy Stephan, remarked, “I haven’t spoken to Kylian yet… But in three words: it’s disgraceful, despicable and outrageous.”
