FIFA World Cup 2026: France defeated Paraguay to reach the quarterfinals. Following the match, a verbal exchange between Kylian Mbappé and Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla ensued. Amarilla used abusive language.

Celeste Amarilla, Kylian Mbappe Controversy

France has reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kylian Mbappé's team defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. The controversy that followed this match took a political turn. Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla verbally abused Mbappé, hurling insults and using highly offensive language.

Speaking in the Paraguayan parliament, Amarilla said, "When Orlando Gil, who was playing in the World Cup for the first time, politely extended his hand, Mbappé refused to shake hands and even shouted. This is not French culture; French people don't do this." Amarilla used offensive words, which cannot be described.

Amarilla, of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, also accused Mbappé of racist remarks. He said that the actions of one person cannot be used to judge the whole of France; their legacy is vast. He had previously demanded a public apology from Mbappé on Christmas Day. He warned against underestimating the people of Paraguay. He threatened legal action against Mbappé if he did not apologize.

Where did the controversy start?

The controversy erupted after the match between France and Paraguay. Paraguay's players played very rough, with several tackles that could have seriously injured French players, even breaking their legs. However, the referee did not card them for any of the tackles. When the match ended, and France won, Mbappé refused to shake hands with Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gil. He is also alleged to have made racist remarks.

Mbappé had previously responded to Amarilla's comments, calling her unfit for the position and calling her a disgusting woman. Now, Amarilla's new statement has sparked even more controversy.