France’s sports minister on Monday condemned what she described as “abhorrent and racist” remarks made by a Paraguayan senator targeting French forward Kylian Mbappe following Paraguay’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Marina Ferrari said she was “deeply outraged” by comments posted on X by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16.
In one post, Amarilla insulted Mbappe using racist language and referenced his background. In another, she described him as “Cameroonian, a product of colonialism, desperately trying to pretend to be French,” while also calling him “arrogant” and claiming France advanced through luck.
In a statement, Ferrari said France “strongly condemns the racist insults directed at Kylian Mbappe.”
“These statements are abhorrent and shameful, and they are especially unacceptable coming from an elected official,” she said.
“We will not remain silent in the face of racism. By attacking Kylian Mbappe, the senator is attacking everything our captain represents and the values our country stands for: liberty, equality and fraternity.”
Ferrari also expressed her full support for Mbappe, the French coaching staff and the national team.
Mbappe scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot as France defeated Paraguay to secure a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
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