Celeste Amarilla Bio, Age, Husband, Family, Career, Controversy & Net Worth

Who is Celeste Amarilla? | Biography

Celeste Amarilla is a Paraguayan lawyer and politician who serves as a senator in Paraguay. She represents the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) and remains one of the country’s most outspoken political figures. Born on October 21, 1964, in San Juan Bautista, Paraguay, Amarilla built a long career in law before entering national politics. She served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies from 2018 to 2023. Afterward, she won election to the Senate and assumed office in June 2023.

Throughout her political career, Celeste Amarilla has earned attention for her direct communication style and willingness to challenge political opponents. She joined the Authentic Radical Liberal Party in the early 1980s and helped establish its youth organization. Consequently, she became an influential voice within Paraguay’s liberal movement. Her legislative work has focused on government accountability, democratic governance, and public transparency.

In her personal life, Amarilla married engineer and politician Franklin Boccia in 1988. The couple had one daughter, Juliana María. Sadly, Boccia passed away in 2015. Despite that loss, Amarilla continued her public service and strengthened her political profile.

In 2026, Amarilla attracted international attention after making racist remarks about French football star Kylian Mbappé following Paraguay’s FIFA World Cup elimination. Her comments received widespread condemnation from the Paraguayan government, the French Football Federation, and Mbappé himself. The controversy also sparked international media coverage and legal action by French football authorities.

Today, Celeste Amarilla remains a prominent figure in Paraguayan politics. Her legal background, parliamentary experience, and outspoken leadership continue to shape public debate. Although controversy has surrounded her recent statements, she remains an influential senator and a well-known member of Paraguay’s political opposition.

Celeste Amarilla Age | How Old is Celeste Amarilla?

Celeste Amarilla is 61 years old as of 2026. She was born on October 21, 1964, in San Juan Bautista, Paraguay. Over six decades, she has built a respected career as a lawyer and politician. Moreover, her experience has helped shape Paraguay’s political landscape. She currently serves as a senator representing the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA). Her age reflects decades of leadership, legal expertise, and public service, making her one of Paraguay’s most recognizable political figures.

Celeste Amarilla Height | How Tall is Celeste Amarilla?

Celeste Amarilla stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Her height complements her confident and commanding public presence. Throughout her political career, she has become known for her outspoken leadership rather than her physical appearance. Moreover, she continues to attract national and international attention through her work in the Paraguayan Senate. Her stature, combined with decades of political experience, has made her one of Paraguay’s most recognizable opposition politicians.

Celeste Amarilla Political Party

Celeste Amarilla is a member of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), one of Paraguay’s oldest and largest political parties. She joined the PLRA in 1982 and helped establish its youth organization, the Juventud Liberal Radical Auténtica (JLRA). Moreover, she has remained a prominent voice within the party throughout her political career. Since 2023, she has served as a PLRA senator in Paraguay’s National Congress. Amarilla continues to advocate for government accountability, democratic institutions, and political reform, while remaining one of the opposition’s most outspoken leaders.

Celeste Amarilla Education

Celeste Amarilla completed her primary and secondary education at the Collège de l’Immaculée Conception in Asunción, where she earned her Humanities high school diploma in 1981. In 1982, she enrolled in the Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences at the National University of Asunción (UNA). Later, she resumed her legal studies at the Universidad del Norte, graduating as a lawyer in 2008. She also completed postgraduate studies in Political Science at UNA, strengthening her expertise in law, governance, and public administration.

Celeste Amarilla Ethnicity

Celeste Amarilla has not publicly disclosed her ethnicity. She was born in San Juan Bautista, Misiones, Paraguay, and she is Paraguayan by nationality. However, no official biography, parliamentary profile, or credible news source identifies her ethnic background or ancestry. Recent international coverage about Amarilla has focused on her political career and controversial public statements, not her heritage. Therefore, it is not accurate to assign her to any ethnic group without verified evidence. Until Amarilla publicly discusses her ancestry, her ethnicity remains undisclosed.

Celeste Amarilla Husband | Is Celeste Amarilla married?

Celeste Amarilla was married to Franklin “Anki” Boccia, a Paraguayan engineer and politician. The couple married in 1988 and built a family together. They welcomed one daughter, Juliana María Boccia Amarilla, who later married José María Fretes Bieber. Sadly, Franklin Boccia passed away in 2015, leaving Amarilla a widow. Despite her loss, she continued her political career and later won election to Paraguay’s Senate in 2023. Amarilla often honors her late husband while remaining devoted to her daughter and granddaughter, Evangelina.

Celeste Amarilla Children | Daughter

Celeste Amarilla has one child, a daughter named Juliana María Boccia Amarilla. She welcomed Juliana during her marriage to the late Franklin Boccia, an engineer and politician. Moreover, Juliana has become increasingly active in public life and has participated in political events alongside her mother. In 2025, Juliana and her husband, José María Fretes Bieber, welcomed their daughter, Evangelina Fretes Boccia, making Amarilla a grandmother. Despite her demanding political career, Amarilla maintains a close relationship with her daughter and granddaughter.

Celeste Amarilla Family | Parents, Siblings, and Background

Celeste Amarilla was born to Felino Amarilla Leiva and Evangelina Goitia in San Juan Bautista, Misiones, Paraguay. Her parents played an important role in shaping her values and public service. In 2026, Amarilla publicly mourned her mother’s passing and shared heartfelt tributes to her family. Moreover, she has confirmed that she has siblings, including a brother known as “Felinito.” However, the names and details of her other siblings remain private. Despite keeping much of her family life out of the spotlight, Amarilla maintains strong family ties and frequently speaks about her loved ones.

Celeste Amarilla Racist Comments | What Did She Say About Kylian Mbappé?

Following Paraguay’s 1-0 defeat to France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Celeste Amarilla posted a series of racist remarks targeting Kylian Mbappé on social media. She questioned Mbappé’s French identity and made derogatory comments about his race and African heritage. The posts quickly spread across international media and triggered widespread outrage. Mbappé responded publicly, calling Amarilla “a despicable woman and unworthy of her office.” He stated that her comments promoted hatred and racism, while emphasizing that they disrespected both football and human dignity.

The backlash intensified as the French Football Federation (FFF) condemned Amarilla’s statements as “racist,” “criminal,” and “utterly abhorrent.” The federation announced it would file a complaint with French prosecutors seeking legal action. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan government and the country’s congressional leadership distanced themselves from Amarilla’s remarks. Officials stressed that her statements reflected her personal views and did not represent Paraguay or its people. The controversy became one of the biggest off-field stories of the 2026 World Cup and renewed global discussions about racism in football, accountability, and the responsibilities of public officials.

Celeste Amarilla Career | From Lawyer to Paraguayan Senator

Celeste Amarilla began her career in public service after studying law and becoming a licensed attorney. She joined the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) in 1982 and helped establish the party’s youth wing. Moreover, she built a strong reputation as a political organizer and advocate for democratic governance. In 2018, she won election to Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies, where she served until 2023. During her term, she focused on government accountability, transparency, and institutional reform. In April 2023, Amarilla secured election to the Senate of Paraguay and assumed office on June 30, 2023.

As a senator, Celeste Amarilla has remained one of Paraguay’s most outspoken opposition leaders. She frequently comments on national politics, public spending, and anti-corruption measures. In 2026, she gained international attention after making racist remarks about Kylian Mbappé, prompting widespread criticism from political leaders and football authorities. Despite the controversy, Amarilla continues to serve in the Senate and remains an influential figure within the PLRA and Paraguayan politics.

Celeste Amarilla Salary

Celeste Amarilla earns a salary as a member of the Paraguayan Senate. As of 2026, Paraguayan senators receive a monthly parliamentary salary of approximately G. 37.9 million (37,900,000 Paraguayan guaraníes), which includes their legislative salary and representation allowance. This compensation applies to senators generally, including Amarilla, unless additional income or deductions apply. Moreover, senators may receive other legally authorized benefits based on parliamentary rules. Amarilla has not publicly disclosed any additional personal income beyond her role in the Senate. Her primary publicly known source of earnings remains her position as a Paraguayan senator.

Celeste Amarilla Net Worth 2026

Celeste Amarilla has an estimated net worth of between $2 million and $5 million as of 2026. She built her wealth through a successful career in law, public administration, business, and politics. Moreover, her years of service in Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies and the Senate have provided a steady source of income. Her legal practice, leadership roles, investments, and personal assets have also contributed to her financial success. Today, Amarilla remains an influential figure in Paraguayan politics, and her estimated net worth reflects decades of professional achievement and public service.

Biography Summary