"Despicable woman": Mbappe, FFF slams Paraguay senator Amarilla over racist remarks
Dallas, July 7
French star striker Kylian Mbappe have condemned the 'racist' remarks made by Paraguay senator Celeste Amarilla towards the former following France's hard-fought 1-0 win in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash over the South American side, calling her a "despicable woman" who is unworthy of her position.
Mbappe's remarks came after she called Mbappe a "colonised Cameroonian" and "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly". Amarilla also said that France "won by a fluke and Mbappe was nervous and scared to death the whole match, like his entire team."
Mbappe responded on X, "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. 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."
On a picture that showed Mbappe celebrating on the face of Paraguay goalie Orlando Gill, she commented that Mbappe "sucked on coconuts instead of mother's milk and the most educated thing he heard was chimpanzees".
Responding to such remarks, Mbappe added, "I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."
French Football Federation (FFF) also stepped in, describing the comments as "criminal and reprehensible" and said that they are "filing a report with the prosecutor's office for the purpose of judicial action".
"FFF COMMUNIQUÉ: The racist remarks by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappe are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. How can anyone make such statements? These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The FFF is filing a report with the prosecutor's office for the purpose of judicial action," the federation stated.
FFF extended its support to Mbappe, the whole team and the victim of "such odious remarks" everywhere.
"Now more than ever, the FFF is committed to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. These remarks dishonour those who make them and those who spread them. The players of the France National Team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted," FFF concluded.
Mbappe, with seven goals in the competition, is one of the contenders for the Golden Boot, tied with Argentina legend Lionel Messi (seven goals). France will next battle Morocco in the quarterfinals on July 10.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm glad Mbappe didn't stay silent. Too often players just ignore this nonsense. The FFF backing him up and filing a legal complaint is the right move. In India, we also see how these colonial mindsets still exist - people judging others based on skin color. It's 2026, not 1926 for crying out loud!
"Sucked on coconuts instead of mother's milk" - that's not even clever, it's just vile. Whether you think Mbappe is overrated or not, personal attacks based on race are unacceptable. As someone from the West, I'm embarrassed that this mentality still exists anywhere. Well done to Mbappe for standing up.
I disagree with some criticism here - yes the comments were bad, but is filing a criminal complaint really necessary? In India we see so much worse racism daily without any action. Maybe focus on bigger problems? But yes, the senator was totally out of line and should apologize. Thik hai?
The irony of a Paraguayan senator calling someone a "colonised Cameroonian" when Paraguay itself has a complex colonial history... 🙄 Mbappe's response was perfect - dignified but ruthless. He's right that she doesn't represent Paraguay, just her own ignorance. Big respect to the FFF for taking legal action.
As an Indian football fan, this hits close to home. We face similar racist attitudes in many countries when our players go abroad. Mbappe is a global icon and he's using his platform well. That senator should be removed from office - she's not fit to represent anyone. J
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