Kylian Mbappé faces serious allegations of rape stemming from an incident in Stockholm, prompting a police investigation. While the French football star denies the accusations, labeling them as “fake news,” he has been scrutinized for attending a celebration in Sweden during international matches. The situation is complicated by Mbappé’s ongoing legal disputes with Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages. His recent behavior has drawn criticism, challenging his reputation as a national captain amidst rising concerns regarding his commitment and conduct.
Kylian Mbappé’s absence from France’s recent international matches has sparked controversy, but the situation escalated when Swedish tabloid reports emerged alleging serious criminal accusations against him. When France faced Israel in Budapest last Thursday, shocking news broke from Sweden that Mbappé is being investigated for an alleged rape that occurred in Stockholm.
Details surrounding the case remain unclear. Reports from Swedish media confirm that law enforcement in Stockholm is investigating initial allegations against Mbappé. The public prosecutor acknowledged receipt of a formal complaint and stated that an investigation is underway regarding an incident at the Bank Hotel on the night of October 10-11. However, specific names have not been disclosed. A reporter from the newspaper “Expressen” even asserted on French radio that they are “one hundred percent sure that Mbappé is the suspect.”
Mbappé Strongly Refutes the Allegations
While Mbappé was absent from the October internationals due to a purported thigh injury, he made the decision to travel to Stockholm for a celebration instead of resting. In response to the allegations, Mbappé took to social media, labeling the reports as “fake news” and deemed them “predictable.” He implied that the situation may be linked to his ongoing legal battle with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, concerning an unpaid salary of 55 million euros. He noted, “What a coincidence, the day before a hearing.”
His legal representative, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, discussed the matter on French television, stating that while claims of a complaint exist, they are uncertain who it is against. She affirmed that throughout the events, Mbappé was never alone, suggesting his innocence. As of now, Mbappé’s team has not pursued any defamation lawsuits against the media.
PSG has long been embroiled in controversy, with recent events including infighting and incidents of physical assault involving team players. However, assertions that the club has manipulated Swedish media or authorities appear far-fetched. Club officials have sarcastically remarked that PSG seems to be blamed for everything, even Mbappé’s performance issues in Madrid and the unfolding stories in Sweden.
These troubling claims coincide with Mbappé’s questionable exit from France, tarnishing much of his previous eight-year career as a rising star. Once celebrated for winning the 2018 World Cup, he has faced backlash for his actions surrounding his potential move to Real Madrid during the summer.
Rather than advocating for his release to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris, Mbappé has seemingly submitted to Madrid’s ongoing policy of restricting player releases for international duty. Despite his alleged injury, he played for Real Madrid the preceding weekend, which fueled further criticism in France following his nighttime revelry in Stockholm during an international match.
Hesitation Surrounding Mbappé’s Leadership
As the captain of the French national team, Mbappé has been a prominent voice, particularly in matters affecting players’ rights. His previous patriotic stance against right-wing populism in June further compounded public expectations of his leadership. However, his current behavior casts doubt on his commitment to the national team.
Critics have voiced discontent over his perceived lack of responsibility, especially after a lackluster performance in September. Additionally, there is rising scrutiny regarding Didier Deschamps’ decision to grant him the captaincy over other worthy candidates, particularly when his recent contributions have been minimal.
Following disappointing performances and injuries, France has fared better in recent matches without his involvement. Now, with the Swedish allegations swirling, Mbappé is at the epicenter of media scrutiny and speculation in both Sweden and France. While his lawyer asserts that her client remains calm amidst the media storm, the potential damage to his reputation is undeniable.
In Spain, reports indicate that the Madrid press, usually quick to publicize every development concerning Mbappé, is handling this situation with caution. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has reportedly edited him out of recent promotion materials, raising questions about the player’s standing amid sponsor rivalries and ongoing scrutiny.