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Paraguayan Senator Threatens Mbappe Amid Heated Political Row Over World Cup Gesture

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First reported by Walla · Jul 8, 2026

What happened

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Arrieta harshly criticized French footballer Kylian Mbappe for refusing to shake hands with Paraguay's goalkeeper, escalating tensions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. She threatened legal action and referenced the imprisonment of former Brazilian star Ronaldinho. Paraguay's president intervened to condemn discrimination and calm diplomatic tensions.

01Paraguayan Senator Celeste Arrieta verbally attacks Mbappe over handshake refusal.
02Arrieta calls Mbappe derogatory names and questions his French identity.
03She threatens Mbappe with legal action and references Ronaldinho's imprisonment.
04Arrieta mocks Mbappe’s literacy and warns him to beware of Paraguayans.
05Paraguayan President Santiago Peña condemns discrimination and seeks to ease tensions.
06The dispute highlights diplomatic sensitivities ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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