Controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé: a Paraguayan senator
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read

During the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kylian Mbappé was at the heart of a controversy after racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. The latter is now considering legal action against the French attacker, while the Paraguayan government strongly condemns his comments.
According to Spotvnews.
Why it matters
The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé highlights the racial tensions that persist in football, particularly during major events like the 2026 World Cup. The racist statements of a Paraguayan senator highlight the challenges faced by players of color on the international stage. This situation could also affect the image of France and its representatives at the 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- Controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé: a Paraguayan senator.
- During the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kylian Mbappé was at the heart of a controversy after racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.
- Kylian Mbappé remains central to France's plans.
During the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on June 5 at the Philadelphia stadium, the meeting between France and Paraguay gave rise to a major media altercation involving Kylian Mbappé. The French striker gave his team victory with a late goal, qualifying the Blues for the quarter-finals. However, an episode that occurred after the meeting sparked controversy. Mbappé actually refused to shake the hand of Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gilli, provoking strong reactions.
This situation was exacerbated by Celeste Amarilla, Paraguayan senator, who made comments with racist connotations against Mbappé via her social networks. His statements quickly sparked international outrage, particularly in France where the Blues striker denounced “an attack on the image of his country” linked to racism. The senator then turned the situation around, accusing Mbappé of having been discourteous by refusing the handshake, and declaring herself a victim of gender violence.
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The controversy took a new turn with the statement of Guillermo Duarte, lawyer representing Celeste Amarilla. The latter announced that the senator could initiate legal proceedings against Mbappé, considering that the latter would have committed acts that could be qualified as defamation or attack on honor. He even raised the possibility of extradition of Mbappé to Paraguay if this proved necessary to answer these accusations before the Paraguayan justice.
Faced with this situation, the Paraguayan government clearly distanced itself from Celeste Amarilla's comments, strongly condemning her racist statements and specifying that they did not reflect the official position of the State or its people. Furthermore, French justice has opened an investigation against the Paraguayan senator for her comments. The international community, like the United Nations, has also condemned racist speech, emphasizing the importance of fighting this scourge within sport and beyond.
This episode highlights the tensions that can emerge during international competitions, where debates often go beyond the sporting framework. Mbappé, an emblematic figure of French football, thus finds himself at the center of an affair where racism, diplomacy and justice intertwine in an already tense context of the 2026 World Cup.
The rest
It is likely that the situation will continue to evolve, with discussions surrounding possible legal proceedings against Mbappé. The Paraguayan government has already distanced itself from the senator's comments, which could influence the reaction of the international community. Football fans and observers will be closely following developments, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between Kylian Mbappé and Orlando Gilli?
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, Kylian Mbappé refused to shake Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gilli's hand after France's victory, sparking controversy.
Who confirmed the intention to take legal action against Mbappé?
Guillermo Duarte, the lawyer representing Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, announced that legal action could be considered against Kylian Mbappé.
Why did this controversy arise now?
Controversy erupts after Kylian Mbappé refuses to shake hands with Or
lando Gilli, which was followed by racist comments from Senator Celeste Amarilla on social networks.
What are the possible consequences for Mbappé?
It is possible that Kylian Mbappé could face charges of defamation or insult to honor, and his extradition to Paraguay was even mentioned by the senator's lawyer.
What reactions did the Paraguayan senator's statement provoke?
Celeste Amarilla's comments sparked international outrage, particularly in France, where Kylian Mbappé denounced an attack on the image of his country linked to racism.
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