Mbappe Blasts Paraguayan Senator as 'Despicable' Over Racist Comments

Kylian Mbappe has launched a fierce condemnation of Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, labeling her "despicable" and "unworthy" of her position after she directed racist remarks at the France captain following their World Cup round of 16 clash. Amarilla, a member of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, posted inflammatory comments on social media after Paraguay's defeat to France. Mbappe responded directly on X, calling her out for spreading hatred. "Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position," Mbappe wrote. "You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition." He added: "Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world." French prosecutors have opened an investigation into aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred after the French Football Federation (FFF) filed a complaint with the national unit for combating online hate. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the probe on Tuesday. Amarilla, when asked about the investigation, claimed she had not been formally notified and argued France had no jurisdiction. "To the French Football Federation, I'd tell them to hire a lawyer before talking nonsense," she told reporters. Mbappe, the tournament's joint top scorer, netted the only goal from the penalty spot to send France into the quarterfinals. The FFF issued a strong statement condemning the remarks: "The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. These remarks are criminal and deserve condemnation. They must be prosecuted, here and elsewhere." The match itself was a heated affair, with scuffles between players and staff. France coach Didier Deschamps accused Paraguay of using "every trick in the book" during the game, though Paraguay did not receive a single yellow card.