The Government of Paraguay distanced itself from the statements of Senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé, captain of the France team, after the round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup between both teams.
Through a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Paraguayan Executive expressed that it “deplores and rejects” the legislator’s expressions, considering that they are contrary to the values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that the country promotes.
The statement also emphasizes that Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the separation and independence of powers, so Amarilla’s demonstrations correspond exclusively to his individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch.
The Government added that these statements “in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or of the Paraguayan people.”
Furthermore, it reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality and the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance and any manifestation of hatred or discrimination.
The Paraguayan Executive also expressed solidarity with those who may have felt affected by the statements and reiterated its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historical relationship of friendship, cooperation and understanding.
France will take the case to justice
The French Football Federation also reacted to the case and announced that it will take the publications to French justice, considering that they contain racist expressions against Mbappé.
The French organization condemned the messages and expressed its support for the captain of the team, after the footballer responded publicly to Amarilla and pointed out that the legislator does not represent Paraguay or his team.
The origin of the controversy
The controversy began after France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, a result that left La Albirroja eliminated.
After the match, Amarilla published messages in X against Mbappé, in which he made references to his family origin and included expressions widely identified as racist.
Mbappé responded with a message in which he rejected the attacks and, at the same time, separated the senator’s words from the performance of the Paraguayan team, which he recognized for its dedication during the tournament.
With the pronouncements of the Paraguayan Government and the French Federation, the case ceased to be a post-match controversy and moved to the institutional and judicial level.