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Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has demanded a public apology from France captain Kylian Mbappe, warning that she could institute legal proceedings if he fails to withdraw remarks describing her as “despicable” following their World Cup row.
The senator’s ultimatum comes days after France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tense encounter that sparked a heated exchange between the two.
In an open letter released on Tuesday, Amarilla insisted that her disagreement was solely with Mbappe and not with France, a country she said she deeply admires and has consistently supported.
“The issue is between you and me. I have never spoken against France. On the contrary, I stand with France,” she wrote.
Amarilla accused the Real Madrid forward of displaying arrogance before, during and after the match, alleging that he showed disrespect towards Paraguayan players and goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
According to the senator, Mbappe celebrated provocatively after converting the decisive penalty, refused to shake hands with Gill after the final whistle and demonstrated what she described as contempt for Paraguay’s national team.
She admitted that comments she posted on social media immediately after the match were written “in the heat of the moment” and acknowledged deleting them after realising they reflected the same insults she has often criticised.
“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 expressing regret over the deleted remarks, Amarilla maintained that Mbappe’s response, in which he described her as “a despicable woman” unworthy of public office, crossed the line.
“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 lawmaker further alleged that Mbappe’s comments amounted to gender-based and political violence against a woman, demanding that he publicly retract the remarks and apologise.
“Withdraw your statements, honour the values of your French citizenship and apologise. Otherwise, I may pursue legal action for gender-based violence,” she warned.
The controversy began after France eliminated Paraguay to reach the quarter-finals. Following the final whistle, television footage showed goalkeeper Orlando Gill attempting to shake Mbappe’s hand before an altercation ensued.
Gill later admitted he lost his composure after claiming the France captain ignored his gesture.
“I tried to shake his hand, but when he paid no attention to me, I lost my temper,” the goalkeeper said.
The dispute escalated when Amarilla reacted on social media, making remarks about Mbappe’s African heritage that drew widespread condemnation from football authorities and political leaders.
Responding on X, Mbappe condemned the senator’s comments as racist, describing her as “a despicable woman” who was “not worthy” of holding public office.
The incident has since attracted international attention, with French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly condemning the senator’s earlier remarks and expressing support for the France captain.
