“ We Jailed Ronaldinho, Don’t Underestimate Me ”- Paraguayan Senator Warns Mbappé
Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has escalated her public feud with France captain Kylian Mbappé, warning the Real Madrid forward not to underestimate Paraguay and claiming she could pursue legal action against him.
Speaking at a press conference, Amarilla said, “We imprisoned Ronaldinho for corruption, so he should not underestimate me,” adding that Mbappé owed her an apology and alleging she had grounds to sue him for what she described as “gender and political violence.”
The latest remarks come after Amarilla posted racist comments on social media following Paraguay’s defeat to France in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Mbappé strongly condemned the senator, calling her “a despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of public office and accusing her of spreading hatred and racism.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has since announced plans to file criminal charges against Amarilla, describing her comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced his support for Mbappé, writing: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time.”
Meanwhile, the Paraguayan government has distanced itself from Amarilla’s remarks, saying it “deplores and rejects” her statements and reaffirming its commitment to respect, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
The controversy follows similar racist comments made before the match by former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, who referred to France as “a squad from Africa,” remarks that were also condemned by the FFF.
On the pitch, Mbappé converted the winning penalty to send France into the World Cup quarter-finals against Morocco and remains joint-top scorer of the tournament with seven goals alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
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