
Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, has strongly denounced Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla's racist comments following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Mbappé stated on X that Amarilla is "despicable and unworthy of her position," adding that her "unconscious and uninhibited racism" has overshadowed Paraguay's historical effort in the tournament. He vowed never to allow individuals like her to spread hatred and racism globally. Senator Amarilla had attacked Mbappé on X, making derogatory and racist remarks about his background and performance after France secured the win with a penalty from Mbappé. She described him as "a Cameroonian from colonization, desperately trying to pass for a Frenchman, resentful, nouveau riche, arrogant and secular." She also claimed he was "nervous and scared throughout the match" and that France won by "luck." France's Minister of Sports, Marina Ferrari, was among the first to react, expressing outrage at the "abject" and "racist" statements. She emphasized that France "condemns with the greatest firmness the racist attacks of which Kylian Mbappé has been the target," highlighting that such remarks from a political leader are "unacceptable." The French Football Federation FFF also called the comments "abject and unacceptable" and indicated they would report the matter to the public prosecutor for legal action. Guy Stéphan, assistant coach for the French team, echoed these sentiments, calling
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Must ReadMikel Merino scored in the final minute of regulation, securing Spain's victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The decisive goal, scored at the 90+1 minute mark, ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. The match was heading for extra time when Ferran Torres set up Merino, who then beat Diogo Costa with a left-footed shot, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. This late goal concluded Portugal's participation in the tournament and marked what was likely Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
Must ReadSenegal's participation in the 2026 World Cup was reportedly disrupted by internal tensions concerning national coach Pape Thiaw's contractual situation, according to French investigative journalist Romain Molina. Molina stated that Thiaw arrived in the United States without an officially signed contract with the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, creating uncertainty within the technical staff before a crucial World Cup match. The journalist claimed that Thiaw considered leaving the competition before the match against Norway due to disagreements over his engagement with the Federation. Molina quoted, "Pape Thiaw started packing his bags. We are in the hotel. He is ready to leave the World Cup. The Federation is in a panic." The FSF reportedly attempted to resolve the situation by offering Thiaw a new contract, which included a clause conditioning his continued involvement on qualifying for the World Cup quarterfinals. Molina explained, "They bring him a contract and they add a clause: participation in the quarterfinals; otherwise he's out. Except that it wasn't negotiated like that." This attempt to formalize the contract reportedly led to further tensions between Thiaw and some federal officials, including the FSF's secretary general. Molina reported, "New tensions between the FSF secretary general and Pape Thiaw. Insults, etc. So, they had to come back with another contract and he finally signed his contract five hours before the match against Norway."

Senegalese international forward Bamba Dieng is reportedly close to signing a three-season contract with Saudi club Al-Shabab. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Olympique de Marseille and FC Lorient in France's Ligue 1, is expected to finalize the deal in the coming days. Negotiations are said to be in their final stages, with administrative details being worked out. Dieng, known for his speed and effectiveness, was a free agent after leaving Lorient, and while several European clubs showed interest, the offer from Saudi Arabia reportedly advanced ahead of others, appealing to both the player and his representatives. This move marks a significant career change for Dieng, as he prepares to join a growing league that continues to attract players from Europe.