A fresh controversy has erupted at the FIFA World Cup after Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla launched another public attack on France forward Kylian Mbappe. The political row, which began after France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, has now intensified with strong remarks from both sides.
The dispute has attracted global attention because it involves one of football’s biggest stars and a senior Paraguayan lawmaker. However, Mbappe has remained focused on France’s World Cup campaign, according to head coach Didier Deschamps.
Senator Criticises Mbappe Over Handshake Incident
The controversy began after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup.
According to Amarilla, Mbappe refused to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the final whistle. She claimed the striker ignored the goalkeeper’s gesture and shouted at him instead.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, the senator strongly criticised Mbappe and used offensive language while describing his behaviour.
“When Orlando Gill, a young player making one of the biggest appearances of his career, extended his hand with humility, Mbappe refused to shake it and shouted at him,” Amarilla said while expressing her disappointment.
Senator Says Mbappe’s Behaviour Does Not Represent France
Amarilla also said she believes Mbappe’s actions do not reflect French values.
While addressing lawmakers, she praised France’s cultural and democratic history. She mentioned influential French thinkers and writers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, René Descartes, Montesquieu, Victor Hugo, and Simone de Beauvoir.
Furthermore, she said she would not allow Mbappe’s alleged behaviour to define France’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Previous Social Media Warning Added to the Dispute
The latest remarks came after Amarilla had already issued an open letter to Mbappe on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In that post, she warned the French forward not to underestimate Paraguayans. She also referred to the 2020 case involving Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, who was detained in Paraguay over passport-related charges.
Moreover, Amarilla claimed she could consider legal action against Mbappe, alleging possible gender-based and political violence if his reported remarks toward her continued. She also demanded a public apology from the French star.
Reports Claim Mbappe Responded to the Senator
The dispute reportedly escalated after Mbappe allegedly described Amarilla as a “despicable woman and unworthy of her office.”
Neither Mbappe nor his representatives have publicly commented in detail on the latest accusations. As a result, the claims made by both sides remain part of an ongoing public dispute.
Didier Deschamps Says Mbappe Is Focused on Football
France head coach Didier Deschamps was asked about the controversy before his team’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
Deschamps dismissed concerns that the off-field issue would affect his star player.
“Kylian is in a good place mentally. He’s ready for tomorrow,” the France coach told reporters.
His comments suggest that Mbappe remains fully focused on helping France continue its World Cup campaign despite the growing political controversy.