Senator's racist insults against Mbappé draw global condemnation and French investigation

The racist tirade

After France eliminated Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 on Saturday, Amarilla posted a series of slurs on X.

He didn't even learn to write. Instead of mother's milk he grew up sucking coconuts and the most educated thing he heard were chimpanzees. A colonized Cameroonian, who pretends to be French, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly.

She also criticized Mbappé for not shaking hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Swift international condemnation

The remarks drew immediate backlash. Paraguay's Foreign Ministry said they were

contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity

and did not represent the country. FIFA and the UN also condemned the attacks. UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan called them

racist and dehumanizing... despicable

. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Mbappé.

Mbappé hits back

Mbappé responded on Monday, calling Amarilla

a contemptible woman... unworthy of your position

and stressing that she did not represent Paraguay. He added that her conduct had overshadowed her own team's tournament.

Senator doubles down, faces legal inquiry

On Tuesday, Paris prosecutors opened an investigation into public insult and incitement to hatred, punishable by up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine, after a complaint from the French Football Federation. Amarilla, in a press conference, said she was defending her country's players, claimed President Santiago Peña had bowed to pressure from Macron at the behest of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, and threatened to sue Mbappé for gender-based violence. She called her own remarks racist but a "slip" from a generation where such language was common.

1. Jul 4, 2026France beats Paraguay 1-0; Mbappé scores the winning penalty. Senator Amarilla posts racist comments.
2. Jul 6, 2026Paraguayan Foreign Ministry and FIFA condemn remarks. UN calls them despicable. Macron supports Mbappé. Mbappé responds on social media.
3. Jul 7, 2026French prosecutor opens investigation. Amarilla holds press conference, defends remarks and threatens to sue Mbappé.