Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
France captain Kylian Mbappe has found himself at the centre of a diplomatic dispute after Paraguay’s government strongly condemned racist remarks made by one of the country’s senators following Paraguay’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced comments by Senator Celeste Amarilla, saying they were incompatible with the nation’s commitment to human dignity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“The remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappe, are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes,” the ministry said.
The government’s unusually swift rebuke came after Amarilla reportedly made racially offensive comments about the France captain in the aftermath of Paraguay’s exit from the World Cup over the weekend.
While the foreign ministry did not disclose the exact remarks made by the senator, it said Paraguay firmly rejects all forms of discrimination and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tolerance, equality and respect in public life and international relations.
The controversy has resonated beyond football, renewing concerns about racism in the sport and underscoring the responsibility of public officials to uphold respectful and inclusive standards of conduct.
Mbappe, one of football’s biggest stars, has been a key figure in France’s World Cup campaign. The Real Madrid forward scored in France’s Round of 32 victory over Sweden and remains central to Les Bleus’ bid for another FIFA World Cup title.
The incident has also reignited the broader conversation about racism in football, as governing bodies and governments continue to strengthen efforts to combat discriminatory behaviour both on and off the pitch.
