8 July 2026
Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has threatened legal action against French star Kylian Mbappé, citing the case of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho's imprisonment in Paraguay in 2020. The controversy stems from the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, which ended in a 1-0 victory for France and was marked by a tense atmosphere both on and off the field.
Following the match, Mbappé's celebrations and comments about the Paraguayan national team's playing style sparked controversy, prompting Amarilla to respond with remarks widely described as offensive and racist.
Mbappé did not remain silent, posting a message on his X account in which he described the senator as "unworthy of her position," asserting that she does not represent the Paraguayan people and accusing her of hate speech and racism. This further escalated the conflict between the two.
In the latest chapter of the crisis, Amarilla sent a new letter to Mbappé, urging him to consult a lawyer before continuing his attacks on her. She asserted that she has the right to sue him for defamation and political and gender-based violence.
The senator stated, "Mbappé should read my letter, which is written in French and Spanish. If he can read, he will understand it perfectly. He should beware of the Paraguayans; we do not tolerate such behavior."
She added, "Don't mess with Paraguay. Ronaldinho was imprisoned here before, so don't underestimate this. If his lawyers decide to examine the case, they will inform him that I have a legal basis to prosecute him."
Amarilla confirmed that she is still awaiting a formal apology from the French player, indicating that she reserves her full right to take legal action if he does not retract his statements against her.
Meanwhile, Mbappé received official support from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his solidarity with him, affirming France's rejection of any racist or offensive rhetoric.
The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry quickly issued a statement clarifying that the senator's remarks did not represent the Paraguayan government or people, emphasizing the country's commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and the rejection of all forms of discrimination.
It is worth noting that Ronaldinho was imprisoned in Paraguay in 2020 after entering the country using a forged Paraguayan passport, before being released and placed under house arrest after posting bail.
