The Paraguayan government has officially distanced itself from Senator Celeste Amarilla after her racist remarks targeting Kylian Mbappé following Paraguay’s 1-0 defeat to France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Amarilla launched a series of offensive comments against the France captain on social media, prompting widespread outrage in France and abroad. Her statements quickly drew condemnation from politicians, football officials, and supporters.
French authorities reacted swiftly to the controversy. President Emmanuel Macron publicly backed Mbappé and the French national team, while the French Football Federation announced legal action over the senator’s comments. FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned the remarks, and several French government officials denounced them as unacceptable. Mbappé also responded, calling Amarilla “unworthy of her position” and criticizing her hateful rhetoric.
The Paraguayan government then issued an official statement through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The authorities strongly condemned the senator’s comments, stressing that they contradict the country’s values of respect, peaceful coexistence, and human dignity. The statement also made it clear that Amarilla spoke only in her personal capacity and did not represent the official position of Paraguay or its institutions.
The government reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to fighting racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and all forms of discrimination. It also expressed solidarity with everyone affected by the remarks and reiterated its respect for the French people, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The statement further isolated Celeste Amarilla as the controversy continued to grow beyond the football pitch.
