Mbappé is arrogant and haughty, Paraguayan media criticize

Following Paraguay's 1-0 elimination from the World Cup round of 16 by France, some Paraguayan media outlets criticized the behavior of France's captain, Kylian Mbappé, who scored the lone goal from a penalty.

“Heads held high.” This sentiment of pride in having challenged the French team graced the front page of the Paraguayan newspaper “Última Hora” this Sunday, after the “Albirroja” were knocked out in the World Cup 2026 round of 16. According to the South American publication, the French “collided head-on with the tactical discipline of the Paraguayans” in the first half. “Despite the loss, the Paraguayans made it as difficult as possible for the French,” added “Última Hora,” which was not particularly charitable towards Kylian Mbappé.

“Mbappé ignored our compatriot and celebrated the victory in front of him”
After noting that the match's sole goal scorer, who converted a penalty, “had several clashes with various Paraguayan players,” the media revisited a heated verbal exchange between the Real Madrid forward and Junior Alonso. Alonso reportedly insulted Mbappé, who responded “with a typical South American insult, repeated twice,” according to “Última Hora.” The publication labeled Mbappé a “poor winner” for refusing to greet Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil. “The French forward ignored our compatriot and celebrated the victory in front of him.” It added: “Mbappé displayed an arrogant and haughty attitude throughout the match.”

Less harsh on the French star, “ABC Color” chose instead to commend the Paraguayan national team, “which fought to the end, giving its all for every ball and once again demonstrating character, which allowed them to compete as equals at the World Cup.”

Equally patriotic, “La Nación” newspaper believed that “Didier Deschamps’ team failed to replicate its performance (against Sweden) against a combative and resilient Paraguayan defense. (...) Gustavo Alfaro’s players undoubtedly made the French, who were trying to show some toughness, feel the South American grit.”