Mbappe Slams Paraguayan Senator Over Racist Comments After World Cup Win

(Kylian Mbappe. Photo Credit: Sun Nigeria)

France captain Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator following his country's victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the lawmaker as "despicable" and unworthy of holding public office.

Mbappe responded on Monday after the senator made a series of offensive posts on social media following France's 1-0 victory in Philadelphia on Saturday, a fiercely contested match that secured Les Bleus a place in the quarter-finals.

In a statement shared online, the Real Madrid forward criticised the senator's conduct, stating that her comments did not reflect the values of the Paraguayan people.

He said she was a despicable woman unworthy of her position, adding that she did not represent Paraguay, a country that had shown passion and honour throughout the competition.

He further stated that through her ignorance and unrestrained racism, the world had already forgotten the remarkable World Cup journey of her country's team.

The controversy erupted after the senator allegedly directed racist insults at the French captain, referring to him in derogatory terms while questioning his French identity and accusing him of being intimidated during the match.

The remarks sparked widespread condemnation in France, with the country's Sports Minister describing them as abject and disgraceful, adding that such comments were especially unacceptable coming from an elected public official.

Mbappe, whose father is of Cameroonian origin and whose mother has Algerian roots, scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the second half to send France through to the last eight.

The victory sets up a quarter-final clash against Morocco on Thursday, as France continue their pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title.

The incident has once again brought the issue of racism in football into sharp focus, with growing calls for stronger action against discriminatory conduct by public figures and supporters alike.