Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has threatened legal action against France captain Kylian Mbappé after the football star accused her of making racist remarks following France’s victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The dispute began after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, a match that was followed by heated exchanges on social media.
Mbappé publicly condemned comments made by Amarilla, accusing her of racism and describing her remarks as unacceptable.
The senator has denied the accusation and is demanding that the French forward retract his statements.
In an open letter released on Tuesday, Amarilla insisted that her disagreement was with Mbappé personally and not with France.
“The issue is between you and me. I have never spoken against France. On the contrary, I stand with France,” she wrote.
Amarilla acknowledged that she made comments on social media immediately after the match while emotions were running high.
She said she later realised her remarks reflected the same type of insults she has long criticised and decided to delete the post.
“I immediately regretted responding with the same insults that I myself condemn. I realised I was repeating the behaviour I despise, so I deleted the post,” she said.
Although she expressed regret over the deleted comments, Amarilla argued that Mbappé’s public response went too far.
According to the senator, the Real Madrid forward described her as “a despicable woman” who was unworthy of holding public office.
“I am a senator elected by the Paraguayan people. Who are you to call me unworthy or despicable when you do not even know me?” she wrote.
Amarilla called on Mbappé to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology.
“Withdraw your statements, honour the values of your French citizenship and apologise,” she wrote.
She added that if he refuses to do so, she is prepared to pursue legal action, including a complaint alleging gender-based violence.
Neither Mbappé nor the French Football Federation has publicly responded to Amarilla’s latest statement.
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