After the World Cup round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, which France won 1-0, Kylian Mbappé made headlines when Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla de Boccia made several racist remarks against him. Amarilla called Mbappé a “colonized Cameroonian desperately trying to pass as French.” Her insulting comments sparked international outrage.
Mbappé responded online, accusing Amarilla of “blatant racism.” He called her “a despicable woman unworthy of her position” and stressed that her remarks do not represent Paraguay or its people.
The French Football Federation (FFF) condemned the senator’s racist remarks as “despicable and unacceptable.” The federation announced it would file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office to initiate legal proceedings. Federation President Philippe Diallo expressed full support for Mbappé and all victims of such remarks.
French Emmanuel Macron also commented on the incidents, writing on X: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism. My full support. When words hurt, our values set an example: dignity, respect, fraternity.”
The government of Paraguay condemned the racist insult by a senator. The remarks “in no way reflect the position of the government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people,” a statement said.
Source: www.zeit.de
