​France coach Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappé does not seem to be fazed by the racism row ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday. Deschamps told a news conference near Boston that Mbappé is proving to be very strong mentally and physically, remaining focused on the upcoming match. He also stressed that Mbappé is as prepared for another World Cup appearance as his teammates, while declining to delve into the turbulent events of the past days.
The controversy stemmed from racist abuse directed at Mbappé on social media by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla de Boccia after last Saturday’s heated last-16 clash between France and Paraguay. Mbappé responded on X, and the incident drew remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron. The French Football Federation issued a robust condemnation of the senator’s comments and has filed a formal complaint. Subsequently, the Paris public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into alleged public insult on racist grounds and potential public incitement to hatred or violence.
Amarilla de Boccia later published a letter in which she expressed regret over some of her statements. However, she also demanded an apology from Mbappé, accusing the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward of gender-based hatred in his remarks about her, and she threatened further legal action. The episode has left many scrutinizing the boundaries of online conduct and the responsibilities of public figures and officials in addressing and preventing abuse.
Deschamps’s remarks underscore his confidence in Mbappé’s ability to maintain focus despite the distractions surrounding the squad. Mbappé, who has once again been central to France’s hopes, continues to be a key figure as his team prepares to take on Morocco in a match that carries significant implications for the tournament’s later stages.
The situation highlights ongoing conversations about racism and hate speech in sport, the protections afforded to high-profile athletes, and the rapid spread of inflammatory content across social media platforms. As investigations proceed, officials from France and Paraguay, along with international observers, will be watching closely to see how responses to such incidents shape the broader discourse on fairness, respect, and accountability in football.