In a shocking development, French football star Kylian Mbappe is reportedly under investigation by Swedish police for allegations of sexual assault. The Real Madrid player, currently embroiled in a legal battle with his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has strongly denied the accusations, labelling the reports as “fake news.”
Who accused Kylian Mbappe?
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported the filing of a sexual assault complaint in Stockholm, but did not specify the name of the accused. Later, another Swedish newspaper, Expressen, identified 25-year-old Mbappe as the suspect in the case. According to the publication, “police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault.”
In Sweden, the term “reasonable suspicion” represents a lower degree of suspicion than “probable suspicion.” The exact details of the incident remain unclear, but the alleged crime reportedly took place in central Stockholm.
Kylian Mbappe denies allegations
Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have vehemently denied the accusations. When contacted by AFP, his entourage claimed to have no knowledge of any legal complaint against the player. In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Mbappe directly responded to the reports, stating: “FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” referencing his ongoing legal dispute with PSG over unpaid wages.
Mbappe is currently in a bitter stand-off with PSG, claiming the club owes him €55 million ($60 million). His post suggests he believes the timing of the allegations could be linked to his upcoming hearing before a French league committee regarding this issue.
Investigation underway
Swedish authorities have confirmed that a probe is underway. A prosecutor, speaking to AFP, confirmed that “a probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm.” However, police have not provided further details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation,” police spokesperson Carina Skagerlind told the press.
Photos published by Aftonbladet show police outside the hotel where Kylian Mbappe and his group stayed during their visit to Sweden. According to reports, Mbappe and his entourage visited Stockholm last Thursday, dined at a restaurant, and later went to a nightclub before leaving the country the next day.
Kylian Mbappe entourage responds
In a statement sent to AFP, Mbappe’s entourage condemned the allegations as “slanderous” and part of a smear campaign. “These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable,” the statement read. They vowed to take legal action against any media outlets involved in spreading the allegations and to restore Mbappe’s reputation.
Challenging period for Mbappe
This controversy comes at a difficult time for Kylian Mbappe, who has had an eventful year both on and off the field. The French forward, now playing for Real Madrid after seven successful years with PSG, has become one of the world’s most celebrated footballers. His stellar career includes winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, although his side eventually lost to Argentina.
Despite his achievements on the pitch, the current situation marks one of the most testing moments in Mbappe’s career as he battles both legal issues and the damage these allegations could cause to his public image.
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