Reactions have trailed the recent burning of an effigy of France star Kylian Mbappe in Paraguay amid criticism of Senator Celeste Amarilla, who is under fire for racially abusing the footballer. 

A now-viral video from the annual San Juan Ara festival showed an effigy bearing the inscription “Mbappe” around its neck hanging from a tree before a man set it ablaze, prompting cheers from dozens of onlookers.

According to reports, the act was part of the traditional Judas Kai celebration, in which representations of unpopular individuals are set ablaze to express the public’s anger towards them. 

Participants at last year’s celebration burned an effigy of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to show their displeasure with his government. 

Mbappe scored the only goal as France beat Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to endthe South American country’s adventure at the tournament. 

Meanwhile, the decision to burn an effigy of Mbappe did not sit well with many on social media, and they are claiming racism as the motive behind it.

“SA, Argentina, and now Paraguay… As a black community, we need a list of countries to not visit,” one Instagram user, @itschaye, stated.

Another user, @therealunclelu, commented, “Best player in the world and has been for almost 12 years, and his record can match Messi and CR7 and even eclipse it! When a Black man is successful and confident, the world doesn’t like them much! Nothing new here, just different tools and rhetoric to spew hate!!!.”

Some fans also called on FIFA to ban Paraguay from future World Cups, while berating the football governing body for failing to impose sanctions on countries over alleged racism.

“No one should think this is acceptable! Paraguay and Argentina should be banned from any sports events until they are civilised,” @marie_mjm13 stated. “Oh, I forgot, Messi is more important than morality and humanity.”

Similarly, @iamblackother wrote, “All of this because your team lost!!! One man vs a country!! Paraguay should be banned from the World Cup, and France (and the other teams) should refuse to continue to play until there are repercussions… But we ain’t ready for that level of solidarity… Anyways, what do I know… I’m just a girl.” 

“Mind you, they’ve banned Russia from sporting events over the war in Ukraine. If they truly care about racism, they’ll ban Paraguay from the next World Cup,” @txshagram stated. 

Also, @andref702 noted, “I’ll be praying on the downfall of the Paraguayan football team for the rest of my life!! FIFA is a joke and won’t ban or fine anyone, so here is to hoping they don’t even qualify for the next World Cup.”