Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has warned that she could take legal action against France captain Kylian Mbappé after he accused her of making racist remarks following France’s victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The dispute stems from France’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, after which Mbappé publicly criticised comments Amarilla posted on social media, describing them as racist and unacceptable.
However, the senator has denied making racist remarks and has called on the Real Madrid forward to withdraw his comments and apologise.
In an open letter published on Tuesday, Amarilla stressed that her criticism was aimed at Mbappé personally and not at France, insisting she has always admired and supported the country.
“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 her social media posts were made in the immediate aftermath of the match when emotions were running high.
She said she later removed the posts after reflecting on them and realising they contradicted the values she believes in.
“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.
Despite admitting the posts were inappropriate, Amarilla argued that Mbappé’s public response was excessive. She objected to the footballer’s reported description of her as “a despicable woman” who was unfit to hold 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.
The senator ended her letter by urging Mbappé to retract his remarks, saying she would consider pursuing legal action for alleged gender-based violence if he failed to do so.
“Withdraw your statements, honour the values of your French citizenship and apologise. Otherwise, I may pursue legal action for gender-based violence.”
