France condemns Argentine official’s remarks about Mbappe and Les Bleus

France has strongly condemned comments made by an Argentine provincial official about Kylian Mbappe and the French national team, with the French embassy in Buenos Aires describing the remarks as racist and taking diplomatic action in response.

The controversy erupted after Hebe Casado, deputy governor of Argentina’s Mendoza province, posted a message on social media following France’s World Cup victory over Paraguay.

“Well done Paraguay, the African team has no manners, I hate Mbappe,” Casado wrote in a post that drew widespread criticism and accusations of racism.

French embassy takes diplomatic action

French ambassador to Argentina Romain Nadal responded by condemning the comments and announcing measures against the Argentine official.

According to Agence France-Presse, Nadal described the remarks as “undoubtedly racist” and declared Casado persona non grata within the French embassy and in activities linked to bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador said he had instructed embassy staff not to attend cooperation meetings with Mendoza province if Casado was present unless she withdrew her comments.

“There is no place for racism in French-Argentine cooperation,” Nadal said.

He also defended the diversity of the French national team.

“We are proud of our diversity, and we will not tolerate any form of belittling or questioning of the nationality of our players. How can a public official in a country like Argentina, which prides itself on welcoming immigrants, criticize a national team whose players are also the product of immigration?”

Official insists remarks were ‘sarcasm’

Casado later defended her post, insisting it had been intended as sarcasm rather than a racist attack.

She argued that “only intelligent people understand it” and later told a radio interview that her comments were part of “football folklore,” while criticising what she described as “political correctness.”

Fresh controversy during World Cup

The dispute comes just days after separate offensive remarks directed at France captain Kylian Mbappe by a Paraguayan senator, adding to concerns over discriminatory language during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The latest incident has prompted renewed condemnation from French officials, who have reiterated their commitment to challenging racist abuse directed at members of the national team.