Real Madrid stand behind Mbappé

Real Madrid have issued a firm public defence of Kylian Mbappé after the French forward was targeted by racist and xenophobic remarks from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.

According to AS’ report on the club’s statement, the Spanish club rejected the comments and made clear that Mbappé has their full support.

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express its strongest rejection of the regrettable racist and xenophobic remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla against our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said.

The statement marks another clear intervention from Real Madrid in defence of one of their players, following years in which the club have repeatedly spoken out against racism in football.

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Club condemns hateful behaviour

Real Madrid’s message went beyond a defence of Mbappé as an individual.

According to Managing Madrid’s reproduction of the club statement, the club described the remarks as unacceptable from a political representative and praised Mbappé as a role model for millions of people around the world.

The club added: “These behaviors that incite hatred should have no place in society.”

Real Madrid also underlined that football and sport should be platforms for equality and solidarity, not vehicles for racism, xenophobia or violence.

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A wider issue than football

The case has quickly moved beyond a normal World Cup dispute.

Mbappé has become one of the most recognisable figures in world football, and comments directed at him carry global attention. For Real Madrid, the response was therefore not only about protecting their player, but also about drawing a clear line against discriminatory language from public figures.

The timing is also significant. France are still competing at the World Cup, while Mbappé remains central to their hopes of going deep in the tournament.

Real Madrid’s message was simple: criticism of a player belongs to football, but racist and xenophobic attacks do not.

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