Orlando Gill joins Lille as Mbappe controversy returns

Orlando Gill’s arrival at Lille has brought his World Cup dispute with Kylian Mbappe back into focus, while placing him in the same club environment as Mbappe’s younger brother, Ethan. The Paraguayan goalkeeper says the episode is settled and that he has already developed a good relationship with the Lille midfielder.

Lille completed Gill’s move from Argentine club San Lorenzo for a fee of about €4 million. The 26-year-old international has signed a long-term contract and will compete with Berke Özer for the starting goalkeeping position. Davide Ancelotti is now in charge of the northern club.

The controversy began after Paraguay’s 2026 World Cup round-of-16 defeat by France. Gill had been upset that Kylian Mbappe did not greet him after France reached the quarter-finals. His reaction triggered anger in Paraguay and was followed by a campaign against the Real Madrid forward, including racist comments from a Paraguayan lawmaker. Gill later apologised, saying his competitiveness and frustration had led him to act without thinking. He now regards the matter as part of the past and says pressure and possible whistles in French stadiums will not concern him.