The row surrounding France captain Kylian Mbappé has grown beyond football after the United Nations Human Rights Office strongly criticised comments made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The controversy began after France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16, a match decided by Mbappe’s penalty. Following the game, Amarilla posted a series of remarks targeting the French star. The comments quickly triggered condemnation from governments, football authorities and human rights groups. The UN Human Rights Office described the remarks as “dehumanising” and said such language has no place in public discourse.
Kylian Mbappe responds after Celeste Amarilla’s remarks spark international backlash
The backlash started after Amarilla shared social media posts aimed at Mbappe following Paraguay’s World Cup exit. Among her remarks were comments about the player’s identity and background that were widely condemned as racist. The posts drew criticism from across the football world and beyond. Mbappe did not stay silent. In a post on X, he called Amarilla “a despicable woman” and said her actions had overshadowed Paraguay’s impressive World Cup campaign. He also stressed that the senator did not represent the Paraguayan people, whom he praised for their passion and support throughout the tournament. The French Football Federation publicly backed its captain and announced that it would pursue legal action over the comments. Federation president Philippe Diallo described the remarks as unacceptable and said the organisation would stand firmly behind Mbappe.
UN Human Rights, FIFA and governments condemn comments aimed at Kylian Mbappe
As criticism intensified, the issue moved beyond football. According to ANI, the United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the senator’s remarks and described them as “dehumanising”. The UN also reiterated its long-standing position that racism and discrimination must be challenged wherever they appear, including in politics and sport.Support for Mbappe came from several directions. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the France captain. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also spoke out, saying football must continue fighting racism and discrimination. The Paraguayan government distanced itself from Amarilla’s statements and said they did not reflect the values of the country or its people. Officials stressed their commitment to human dignity, equality and respect. Meanwhile, French prosecutors have reportedly opened an investigation after a complaint was filed over the online abuse directed at Mbappe. The case has now become one of the biggest off-field controversies of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with attention focused on how public figures use their platforms and the consequences of racist speech.
