Who is Celeste Amarilla? Paraguay Senator sparks war of words over racist remarks with Kylian Mbappe after French striker branded her 'despicable woman'

Celeste Amarilla has found herself at the center of an international controversy after a public exchange with Kylian Mbappe over alleged racist remarks. The dispute escalated when Mbappe reportedly called the Paraguayan senator a 'despicable woman', triggering a heated war of words on social media and in the press. Amarilla, a prominent and outspoken lawmaker in Paraguay, has frequently made headlines for her blunt political comments. The latest clash has drawn global attention, with fans and commentators debating racism and accountability of public figures, turning the dispute into one of FIFA World Cup 2026's most talked-about off-field controversies. In her latest post on social media, Amarilla demanded a public apology from Mbappe and warned that she could pursue legal action, responding in detail to the footballer's criticism over the controversy surrounding her earlier remarks.

The social media feud began after Paraguay's 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, when 61-year-old Celeste Amarilla posted a message on X criticizing Mbappe.

"She described the French forward as a 'colonised Cameroonian who was desperately trying to pass himself off as French'. Paraguay’s players should have slapped him after the match," Amarilla wrote on X.


Amarilla also described Mbappe as 'resentful, arrogant, and ugly', escalating the already heated exchange.

"He was nervous and scared stiff for the whole match," she continued. "Just like the rest of his team. They couldn’t score a single goal, and they won by the skin of their teeth."

Responding to Amarilla's post, the French striker fired back, calling her a 'despicable woman' in a sharply worded response.

"Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition," the French captain wrote on X.

"Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."

In a fresh lengthy post on X, Amarilla clarified that her criticism was directed at Mbappe as an individual and not at France, emphasizing her long-standing admiration and personal connection to the country.


She went on to accuse the French star of behaving arrogantly both before and during Paraguay's FIFA World Cup match against France. Amarilla also claimed that Mbappe failed to show proper respect to Paraguay's goalkeeper after the final whistle. She acknowledged deleting her earlier post, saying she had reflected on the language she used.

Amarilla further called on Mbappe to retract his comments about her, alleging that his remarks amounted to political and gender-based violence. She concluded by warning that she was considering legal action if he did not apologize.

Not only has the French Football Federation publicly backed Mbappe, but French President Emmanuel Macron has also voiced his support for the star forward. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan government has distanced itself from Amarilla's comments, expressing support for Mbappe and condemning the senator's alleged racist remarks.

"The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the statements made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team, Kylian Mbappe. These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes," read a statement from the government.