Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid football star, is reportedly under investigation for rape by Swedish authorities, according to Swedish media. The allegations emerged after Mbappe’s recent visit to Stockholm, though the player has categorically dismissed them as fake news.
The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet initially reported that a rape complaint had been filed but did not identify the accused. Later, Expressen claimed that the 25-year-old French international was the suspect under investigation.
According to Expressen, police have opened an investigation based on “reasonable suspicion” — a lower degree of suspicion under Swedish law, which classifies suspicions as either reasonable or probable. Mbappe’s representatives later said that they were unaware of any legal complaint involving the player.
The French forward, who was not selected for the latest Nations League matches, had travelled to Stockholm last Thursday with a group of friends. They dined at a restaurant and later visited a nightclub before departing Sweden on Friday, according to Aftonbladet.
The newspaper stated that a rape incident had been reported in central Stockholm, citing a formal complaint made to the police on Saturday. The report mentioned that the alleged victim sought medical attention but did not disclose the name of the individual accused. Expressen later identified Mbappe as the suspect.
Mbappe responded to the allegations on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), suggesting a link between the Aftonbladet report and his upcoming hearing before a French league committee regarding his dispute with former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over unpaid wages. He claims PSG owes him €55 million (£47 million).
“FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” Mbappe posted.
A Swedish prosecutor confirmed to AFP that an investigation into an incident reported on 10 October in central Stockholm was ongoing but did not provide further details. Police spokesperson Carina Skagerlind stated that disclosing information at this stage could interfere with the investigation.
Aftonbladet published images of police outside the hotel where Mbappe and his entourage stayed during their visit.
Mbappe’s representatives issued a statement calling the accusations “slanderous” and “irresponsible.” The statement criticised the media for spreading what it called false information, adding that legal action would be taken to protect Mbappe’s image and address the ongoing “moral harassment” and defamation.
Meanwhile, a source close to PSG dismissed any connection between the report in Sweden and Mbappe’s legal dispute with the club.
Mbappe, who transferred to Real Madrid from PSG this summer after seven years with the French club, is among the highest-paid players in football. The forward gained worldwide recognition in 2018 when he scored in France’s World Cup final victory against Croatia, becoming the second teenager after Pele to achieve this feat. In the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, Mbappe scored a hat-trick but ultimately saw his team lose in a penalty shootout.