Newsletters
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) responded to racist remarks about French footballer Kylian Mbappe, saying this is part of a wider trend and not just a single incident.
OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan spoke out after Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made racist comments about Mbappe, the French team captain, following France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
In a written statement, Kheetan said, “Senator Amarilla's racist and dehumanizing remarks against French footballer Mbappe are disgusting and unfortunately not an isolated incident." He added that reports of racist incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup "reflect a broader phenomenon in football and in sport more generally.”
Kheetan said public officials have a greater responsibility to speak out against racism, discrimination, and hate speech. He also said that governments and sports organizations should take action to prevent racism and other forms of discrimination and establish independent, effective mechanisms to hold people accountable.
He further stated, "Social media companies also have a responsibility to prevent and address racist and xenophobic harassment on their platforms, in line with international human rights standards."
Senator Amarilla had described Mbappe as a “colonized Cameroonian playing at being French, hateful, self-important, newly wealthy and ugly.”
Mbappe responded to the remarks on the social media platform X, saying, “Ms. Celeste Amarilla, you are a disgusting woman, unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, a country that sweats on the pitch with honor and determination.”
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
