France forward Kylian Mbappe has publicly condemned a Paraguayan senator as “despicable” after she posted racist remarks on social media following the two nations’ World Cup last-16 clash.

What Happened

Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, a member of the country’s Liberal Radical Party, posted a series of racist comments on X (formerly Twitter) after Paraguay’s defeat by France in the round of 16. The remarks targeted Mbappe’s origin and education.

The posts sparked widespread outrage across the football world and beyond, drawing responses from the French Football Federation, the French president, and the Paraguayan government itself.

Mbappe’s Response

Mbappe did not hold back in his reply to the senator. He wrote on social media:

“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”

He continued: “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.”

“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world,” the France captain added.

Official Responses

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced plans to file criminal charges, calling the remarks “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.” FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation would report the matter to the public prosecutor’s office.

“These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere,” the FFF said in a statement. “The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted.”

French president Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, posting: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity.”

The Paraguayan government distanced itself from the senator, saying it “deplores and rejects the statements” and calling them “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.”

Not an Isolated Incident

Amarilla’s comments were not the first racially charged remarks directed at the French team during this tournament. Former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert had said before the match that Paraguay were facing “a squad from Africa.”

Diallo called Chilavert a “disgrace,” saying: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist remarks made by Jose Luis Chilavert against the French national team, which undermine the values of respect, fraternity, and diversity in our football.”

Mbappe’s World Cup Form

On the pitch, Mbappe continues to be one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup. He scored the winning penalty in the second half against Paraguay, setting up a quarter-final clash with Morocco in Boston.

With seven goals, Mbappe is the joint top-scorer at this year’s tournament, level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

What to Watch

The incident has reignited conversations about racism in football and the responsibilities of public figures on social media. FIFA has yet to comment on the matter, but the involvement of the French legal system means this story is far from over.

France face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday, where Mbappe will look to add to his tally and continue leading by example both on and off the pitch.