Paraguay Senate Condemns Senator Celeste Amarilla’s Racist Insults Toward Kylian Mbappé

On July 9, 2026, the Paraguayan Senate formally condemned discriminatory remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla against French footballer Kylian Mbappé. The legislative body voted to reject the senator’s racially charged insults, which occurred following a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking a national debate regarding diplomatic conduct and institutional representation.

Institutional Reprimand Follows Discriminatory Rhetoric

The controversy stems from Senator Celeste Amarilla’s public characterization of Kylian Mbappé after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the tournament’s Round of 16. Following a moment on the pitch where the Real Madrid forward reportedly declined to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill, Amarilla utilized derogatory language, including a profanity-laced insult, to describe the player.

The Senate’s declaration, approved by a plenary vote, explicitly rejects the senator’s "discriminatory and racist expressions." Senator Dionisio Amarilla, who championed the proposal, argued that the legislative body had an obligation to establish a clear institutional stance.

The Defense of Cultural Legacy and Personal Responsibility

Senator Celeste Amarilla has maintained a defiant posture regarding her comments. In her defense during the session, she insisted that her criticism was directed at the athlete’s conduct on the field rather than his identity, while simultaneously rejecting the idea that French culture should be defined solely by a single sports figure.

“I take responsibility as a good liberal and democrat for what I said,” Amarilla stated. “The consequences will be for me, for no one else but me.” She further argued that her frustration was rooted in a perceived lack of sportsmanship toward the Paraguayan goalkeeper, whom she described as a young player experiencing his first World Cup. She characterized the refusal of the handshake as an act that violated the spirit of the game.

However, her focus on the “enormous cultural and artistic legacy” of France, citing figures like Descartes and Simone de Beauvoir, failed to mitigate the institutional backlash. Senate President Basilio Núñez noted that the senator’s rhetoric directly conflicts with Paraguay’s standing international commitments.

Legal and Diplomatic Stakes for the Paraguayan Senate

Senate President Basilio Núñez emphasized that Paraguay is a signatory to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. By incorporating these standards into domestic law, the country is bound to uphold specific conduct requirements for its elected officials.

“I do not agree with what Senator Celeste said,” Núñez stated during the session. “For that reason, I spoke out on social media, as president of Congress, rejecting those racist messages energetically.”

The Senate is now weighing potential legislative measures against the senator, as her comments are viewed by leadership as a misrepresentation of the Paraguayan electorate.

Governance and the Role of Parliamentary Ethics

While the Senate moved to condemn the remarks, it also passed a unanimous declaration of tribute to the Paraguayan national team, acknowledging their performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This maneuver effectively separates the national pride in the team’s athletic achievements from the diplomatic friction caused by the senator’s comments.