Paraguayan Senator Demands Apology from Kylian Mbappé, Threatens Legal Action Over Alleged Abuse
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
A Paraguayan senator has publicly demanded an apology from , accusing the French football star of insulting Paraguay, displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, and engaging in gender-based political violence following a recent international football encounter.
Senator made the allegations in an open letter addressed to Mbappé, in which she defended her criticism of the player while insisting that her disagreement was with him personally and not with France.
The lawmaker rejected any suggestion that she harbored anti-French sentiments, explaining that she was educated in a French school from childhood, speaks French fluently, and has long admired French culture. She noted that she spent the last Christmas holidays with her family in Courchevel before welcoming the New Year in Saint-Tropez.
According to the senator, Mbappé's attitude before and during the match reflected arrogance and contempt toward Paraguay and its players. She alleged that his pre-match remarks, including references to "putting our hands in the dirt" and "removing your makeup," were interpreted by Paraguayans as disrespectful comments directed at their national team.
She further accused the French forward of verbally insulting Paraguayan players during the game and showing little concern for the welfare of Paraguay's goalkeeper after the final whistle. She claimed he refused to shake the goalkeeper's hand and celebrated victory in his face, describing the conduct as contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship.
The senator acknowledged that she initially responded emotionally on social media with offensive language but said she later deleted the posts after realizing she had mirrored the same behavior she condemned.
She also accused Mbappé of calling her "a despicable woman" and "unworthy" of the office she holds, arguing that such remarks amounted to gender-based political violence against an elected female representative. She demanded a public retraction and apology, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
The controversy has generated widespread debate across social media, with football supporters and commentators expressing mixed reactions. While many fans defended Mbappé and urged both sides to lower tensions, others condemned any form of racism, discrimination, abusive language, or unsportsmanlike behavior on and off the pitch. Several football lovers stressed that elite athletes and public officials should promote mutual respect regardless of the intensity of sporting rivalry.
The incident has also renewed discussions about player conduct, respect between opponents, and the responsibilities of influential public figures in maintaining civility during international sporting competitions.
The letter read in part:
"The problem is between you and me. I have never said anything against France. On the contrary, I stand with France... This has nothing to do with France. The problem is with you.
"Your arrogance and contempt angered me long before the match... We understood perfectly that by 'the dirt,' you meant the Paraguayan team.
"During the match, your arrogance was obvious. Your contempt for every Paraguayan player was clear... Finally, you showed complete disregard for the health of our goalkeeper.
"My posts were written in the heat of the moment... I immediately regretted responding to you with the same insults... so I deleted the post.
"Now I demand that you also retract your statements and apologize to me... You have no right to say that I am a despicable woman, unworthy of the office I hold.
"I am a Senator of the Paraguayan Nation, elected by the people... My foremost duty is to speak for the Paraguayan people and defend my country.
"Retract your statements, honor your French citizenship, and apologize. Otherwise, I may pursue legal action for gender-based violence."
