France responds to Kylian Mbappé insult with warning to Paraguayan senator
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari warns Paraguayan senator against visiting France (Photo: Facebook)
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has strongly condemned the remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla about Kylian Mbappé. The French official stressed the importance of diplomatic etiquette and mutual respect between nations, according to French outlet RMC Sport.
What sparked the controversy
A day earlier, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made a series of insulting remarks about France captain Kylian Mbappé. She called the footballer arrogant and ugly, compared him to a chimpanzee, and said she wished Paraguay's players had slapped him.
Her comments sparked outrage in France and prompted a response from the country's top officials. President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for Mbappé, while the French Football Federation filed a complaint with prosecutors.
Minister issues warning
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari described the remarks as completely unacceptable, particularly in the context of international relations and respect in sport. She also urged foreign politicians not to use the names of world-famous athletes for personal publicity.
Ferrari further warned the Paraguayan senator about the possible consequences of such rhetoric if she were to visit France. She said French citizens would "know how to welcome her" if she came to the country.
"Our fellow citizens will know how to welcome her. You cannot speak about one of our fellow citizens in such a way. It is not for me to decide who should or should not be allowed into the country. But if people recognize her, I don't think she will receive a particularly warm welcome," Ferrari said.
France vs. Paraguay match itself also became controversial and was even described as "ugly." However, this was not the only controversy to emerge during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Another involved the United States national team and Donald Trump.
