Kylian Mbappé, the star forward of Real Madrid and captain of the French national football team, has been thrust into an unexpected controversy after media reports in Sweden linked him to a rape investigation. According to his lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, Mbappé is preparing to take legal action to defend his name and reputation, filing a complaint for libel. This decision follows allegations suggesting that Mbappé was a suspect in the case, a claim that the player’s camp has categorically denied.
The controversy emerged after reports from Swedish media outlets, including Aftonbladet and Expressen, identified Mbappé as a potential suspect in a rape case that allegedly took place at Stockholm’s upscale Bank Hotel on October 10. The Swedish Prosecution Authority confirmed that an investigation had been opened but did not release the names of any suspects or further details regarding the case. The media outlets, citing anonymous sources, named Mbappé as the individual under suspicion.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Canu-Bernard was quick to reassure the public, stating that Mbappé was “shocked” by the reports but remains “completely at ease” because he has done nothing wrong. “He asked my office to ensure these defamatory and slanderous claims do not go unchallenged,” the lawyer said in an interview with AFP. Canu-Bernard announced that Mbappé’s legal team would be filing a complaint for defamation in response to the accusations, aiming to restore his name and reputation.
According to the initial reports, the alleged rape occurred while Mbappé was visiting Stockholm with friends during a two-day trip. The media reports indicated that he and his group dined at a restaurant before going to a nightclub. They left Sweden on Friday, and shortly thereafter, a complaint was filed, with the alleged victim reportedly seeking medical attention.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Swedish police have reportedly seized evidence from the hotel, including women’s clothing and other personal items. Expressen, one of the media outlets reporting on the case, described Mbappé as being “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, a lower level of suspicion under Swedish law. In Swedish legal terms, the threshold for being “reasonably suspected” of a crime does not equate to a formal charge but is used to indicate that there is a preliminary basis for suspicion. The higher level, “probable cause,” is typically required for authorities to remand a suspect in custody or to bring formal charges.
Despite these developments, Mbappé has strongly denied any wrongdoing. In a social media post on Monday, he labeled the accusations as “FAKE NEWS!!!!” and suggested that the timing of the reports was suspicious, particularly given his ongoing legal battle with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his former club. Mbappé has been embroiled in a dispute with PSG over what he claims is €55 million ($60 million) in unpaid wages. The footballer hinted that the accusations might be linked to the upcoming hearing in France over his wage dispute, implying that the timing of the Swedish media reports was deliberate.
“FAKE NEWS!!!! It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” Mbappé wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing frustration at what he saw as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish his image.
Mbappé to File Defamation Suit
Mbappé’s entourage echoed his denial, issuing a statement to AFP on Monday that labeled the allegations as “completely false and irresponsible.” The statement also indicated that the footballer’s legal team would take all necessary steps to address the situation and clear his name.
This controversy marks a stark departure from the image Mbappé has cultivated throughout his career. The 25-year-old footballer has, until now, managed to avoid scandal, carefully managing his public persona through a close-knit team of family, lawyers, and spokespeople. Known for his disciplined approach both on and off the field, Mbappé rose to international fame as a teenager, helping lead France to a World Cup victory in 2018, where he joined Pelé as one of only two teenagers to score in a World Cup final.
Earlier this year, Mbappé signed with Real Madrid after a long and successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His transition to Madrid was seen as a new chapter in his already illustrious career, but this sudden controversy threatens to overshadow his recent achievements.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Mbappé’s legal team remains confident that the truth will come to light. In the meantime, the footballer is focused on clearing his name while continuing his professional obligations at Real Madrid. As the legal proceedings unfold in both Sweden and France, the football world will be watching closely to see how Mbappé navigates this unexpected and challenging chapter in his life.
