A Swedish prosecutor confirmed on Tuesday that a rape investigation has been opened, although Kylian Mbappé’s name was not mentioned. This follows reports from Swedish media indicating that the Real Madrid and French football star is the suspect after his recent visit to Stockholm.
Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen, along with public broadcaster SVT, reported on Tuesday that the 25-year-old Mbappé is being investigated after his two-day trip to the Swedish capital last week. “In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police,” stated Sweden’s Prosecution Authority. They noted that the alleged incident took place at a hotel on October 10 but did not reveal any suspect’s name, stating that further information could not be disclosed at this time.
Expressen identified Mbappé as the suspect on Monday, citing anonymous sources, while Aftonbladet and SVT later confirmed similar information. According to Expressen, Mbappé is “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, which is the lower level of suspicion in the Swedish legal system. The higher threshold, known as “probable cause,” is typically required for a suspect to be held in custody before formal charges are filed.
Mbappé’s representatives stated they were unaware of any legal complaint against him when contacted by AFP on Monday.
Seized Evidence
The French international was not included in his national team’s latest Nations League matches and traveled to Sweden with a group last Thursday. Reports from Aftonbladet indicate that the group dined at a restaurant and later went to a nightclub before leaving Sweden on Friday. The complaint was reportedly filed on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical assistance.
Expressen reported that police have seized several items as evidence, including women’s underwear, a pair of black trousers, and a black top.
On Monday, Mbappé took to social media, claiming a connection between the Aftonbladet report and a hearing before a French league committee regarding his ongoing dispute with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, over unpaid wages. He posted on X, “FAKE NEWS!!!! It’s becoming so predictable, as if by chance on the eve of the hearing.”
A source close to PSG responded by stating they would “ignore” Mbappé’s assertion that there was a link between the report and his conflict with the club. Mbappé’s team also issued a statement to AFP on Monday, denouncing the rumors as “completely false and irresponsible,” vowing to take legal action to restore the truth.
Stellar Career
Mbappé contends that he is owed €55 million ($60 million) from the Qatari-owned PSG. In September, the French league (LFP) directed PSG to pay him the claimed wages and bonuses related to his departure to Real Madrid at the end of the previous season.
The committee responsible for the hearing includes members of the French national players’ union, a magistrate, and an independent president, and it can confirm or overturn the LFP’s order.
Having joined Real Madrid this summer after a seven-year stint at PSG, Mbappé has generally maintained a scandal-free public image. Known for his careful management of his reputation, he has become one of the highest-paid players in the world following a remarkable career that began in his teens.
He made history by joining Pelé as the only teenager to score in a World Cup final when France triumphed over Croatia in 2018, earning the Best Young Player award. Four years later, he scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina but ended up on the losing side as Lionel Messi’s team won in a penalty shootout.
