Kylian Mbappe has hit back at Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, calling her "despicable" and unworthy of public office after she directed a series of racist remarks at him following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16.

Amarilla, a member of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, posted the comments on X after Saturday's defeat, prompting a furious response from the France captain and tournament joint-top scorer.

Mbappe's response

Mbappe posted directly to Amarilla on X, writing: "Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position."

"You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country."

He added: "I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."

Federation takes legal action

The France Football Federation (FFF) went further, issuing a statement condemning Amarilla's remarks in the strongest possible terms and announcing it would refer the matter to the public prosecutor's office for legal proceedings.

"The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. These remarks are criminal and deserve condemnation. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that has been insulted."

The FFF also pledged full support to Mbappe and all victims of similar hateful speech, reaffirming its commitment to fighting racism and discrimination.

A fiercely contested match

Mbappe netted the only goal of the match from the penalty spot, sending France through to the World Cup quarter-finals. Paraguay had entered the round of 16 as the side that eliminated Germany, and they made for a combative opponent.

France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the intensity of the contest, saying Paraguay used "every trick in the book." Despite numerous flashpoints involving players and staff from both sides, Paraguay did not receive a single yellow card across the 90 minutes.