The bitter row between France captain, Kylian Mbappé and Paraguayan senator, Celeste Amarilla has taken a new twist.
The politician is demanding a public apology from the Real Madrid superstar and threatened to take legal action against him for what she described as “gender-based violence.”
The extraordinary dispute erupted in the aftermath of France’s tense 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, a match settled by Mbappé’s penalty before Les Bleus booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Although Amarilla has reportedly withdrawn the racist remarks she made against the France forward, she insists Mbappé must also retract comments in which he described her as “a despicable woman who is unworthy of office.”
Her latest statement adds another explosive chapter to one of the World Cup’s biggest off-field controversies.
What Sparked the Bitter Feud?
The controversy began after France eliminated Paraguay from the World Cup courtesy of Mbappé’s winning penalty.
Following the match, Amarilla launched a series of social media posts attacking the French captain.
Among other remarks, she referred to Mbappé as “stupid,” questioned his background, criticised his education and claimed he had refused to shake hands with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
She even suggested Gill “should have given [Mbappé] the middle finger.”
Those comments triggered widespread condemnation in France and internationally.
Mbappé Fires Back
Mbappé responded forcefully, accusing the senator of racism and insisting she did not represent the values of Paraguay.
He wrote that Amarilla was “unworthy” of holding public office and declared that she did not represent Paraguay, “a country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”
The France captain 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.”
Amarilla Retracts Racist Comments But Refuses to Back Down
In a lengthy open letter published on social media, the Paraguayan senator admitted she regretted the racial insults she directed at Mbappé, saying they were written in anger following her country’s World Cup elimination.
“My posts were written in the heat of the moment,” she said.
“My mixed-race blood — the beautiful blend of Indigenous and Spanish heritage that runs through my veins — was boiling.”
“Later, I regretted responding with the same insults that I myself have received, because I too have been looked down upon for being dark-skinned, Latin American and, as they call us, sudacas.”
“I realised I was repeating the very behaviour that I despise, so I deleted the post,” she added.
“I understand that it upset you, because it was humiliating.”
Despite retracting those remarks, Amarilla insisted Mbappé also owed her an apology.
“Now I expect you to do the same: withdraw your remarks and apologise to me.”
“I will not tolerate your aggression.”
“You have no idea who I am and you have no right to say that I AM A DESPICABLE WOMAN, UNWORTHY OF THE OFFICE I HOLD.”
“This is gender-based violence, plain and simple,” she said.
“It is political violence against a woman who reached her position through the votes of her people.”
“Retract your remarks, honour your French citizenship and apologise to me.”
“Otherwise, I may begin legal proceedings on the grounds of gender-based violence.”
Amarilla Says Her Anger Was About Mbappé’s Behaviour
While apologising for the racial nature of her posts, Amarilla insisted her criticism of Mbappé went beyond the match itself.
She claimed she was offended by what she described as the “France captain’s behaviour before and during the game.”
According to the senator, she was particularly upset by what she believed was Mbappé’s refusal to shake hands with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
She wrote:
“In a single moment, you showed your contempt, your arrogance and your bad manners.”
“It hurt me and it hurt my whole country deeply. France ought to call you to account, because it is a nation of gentlemen with centuries of history and savoir-faire.”
“France should condemn your behaviour.”
French Authorities Launch Investigation
The dispute has now moved beyond social media.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that it has opened an investigation after France’s national unit for combating online hate received a complaint from the French Football Federation (FFF).
The investigation reportedly concerns allegations of aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred or violence linked to Amarilla’s comments.
The FFF also announced plans to pursue criminal proceedings, describing the senator’s remarks as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.”
Paraguay Government Distances Itself
Paraguay’s government also publicly distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, making clear that they did not reflect the country’s official position.
In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said:
“The Government of the Republic of Paraguay condemns and rejects the comments made by senator Amarilla.”
“They are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes.”
“The statements made by the aforementioned legislator correspond exclusively to her and in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or of the Paraguayan people.”
“The Government of Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality and respect among all people, as well as to the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance and all forms of hatred or discrimination.”
“It also expresses solidarity with those who may have felt affected by these statements and reiterates its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historic relationship of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding.”
Macron Throws Support Behind Mbappé
French President Emmanuel Macron also publicly defended Mbappé following the controversy.
Posting on social media, Macron wrote:
“Another goal for Kylian Mbappé.”
“Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity.”
Racism Storm Builds Up Before Kick-Off
The controversy came after another racism row had already overshadowed the build-up to France’s clash with Paraguay.
Former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert had claimed Paraguay would face “a squad from Africa,” prompting fierce criticism from France.
FFF president Philippe Diallo described Chilavert’s remarks as “a disgrace.”
France Focus Turns Back to the World Cup
France remain firmly focused on their quest for another World Cup title.
Mbappé has been outstanding throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals to share the Golden Boot lead alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Les Bleus have now reached the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco in Boston, looking to edge one step closer to another World Cup final.
