A video circulating widely on social media has intensified controversy surrounding the aftermath of France’s World Cup victory over Paraguay, appearing to show participants burning an effigy resembling French forward Kylian Mbappé during a traditional festival.
The footage, which has attracted significant online attention, reportedly shows the incident taking place during the San Juan Ara celebrations on Saturday, just hours after France eliminated Paraguay from the FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16, dissolving their short lived victory over germany in the Round of 32.
Although the authenticity of the video and the identity of those involved have not been independently verified, the images have sparked widespread criticism and renewed debate over hostility directed at the French captain following the match.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between supporters of both nations after controversial remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, who faced backlash over racist comments directed at Mbappé during the tournament.
The senator’s remarks drew condemnation from football fans, anti-racism campaigners, and commentators, with many arguing that discriminatory rhetoric has fueled an increasingly toxic atmosphere surrounding the French star.
The latest video has further amplified concerns about online and offline hostility targeting Mbappé, one of football’s most recognizable figures.
San Juan Ara is a traditional Paraguayan festival known for symbolic rituals, including the burning of effigies representing various figures or themes. However, the appearance of an effigy resembling Mbappé has prompted criticism from many observers who view the act as an escalation of tensions following Paraguay’s World Cup elimination.
Neither Paraguayan authorities nor the country’s football federation had publicly commented on the video at the time of publication. Likewise, Mbappé and the French Football Federation have not issued a public response.
The incident underscores how emotions surrounding major international football tournaments can spill beyond the pitch, particularly when combined with inflammatory public statements and social media amplification.
As discussion continues online, many fans have called for football authorities and public officials to promote respect and reject racism, emphasizing that sporting rivalries should not translate into discrimination or acts perceived as inciting hatred.
