A Swedish prosecutor confirmed on Tuesday that a rape investigation has been opened, but Kylian Mbappé’s name was not mentioned.
This follows media reports suggesting that the Real Madrid and French star is a suspect in connection with a visit to Stockholm with friends.
Swedish media outlets, including Aftonbladet, Expressen, and public broadcaster SVT, reported on Tuesday that the 25-year-old Mbappé is under investigation after a two-day visit 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 the Sweden Prosecution Authority.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred at a hotel on October 10, but the prosecutor did not identify any suspects and stated that no further information is currently available.
According to a filing reviewed by AFP from the Stockholm District Court, the incident took place at the upscale Bank Hotel in central Stockholm, with both the plaintiff’s and suspect’s names redacted in the document.
Expressen identified Mbappé as the suspect on Monday, citing anonymous sources, while Aftonbladet and SVT later confirmed this information.
Expressen reported that Mbappé is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault, which is the lower degree of suspicion in the Swedish legal system.
The Prosecution Authority clarified that a higher degree of suspicion, known as probable cause, is typically required for a suspect to be detained prior to formal charges being filed.
Petra Lund, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, told AFP on Tuesday that she could not comment on the case at this stage.
Mbappé’s representatives stated they had no knowledge of any legal complaints against him when contacted by AFP on Monday.
The French international was not included in his national team’s latest Nations League matches, which allowed him to visit Stockholm with a group last Wednesday.
Aftonbladet reported that the group dined at a restaurant before heading to a nightclub, and they left Sweden on Friday.
The complaint was filed on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention.
Expressen reported that police have seized items as evidence, including women’s underwear, black trousers, and a black top.
Photographs showed police officers exiting the Bank Hotel with brown evidence bags on Monday.
In a post on X, Mbappé suggested that the investigation is linked to a hearing before a French league committee regarding his ongoing dispute with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), over an alleged €55 million ($60 million) in unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS!!!! It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.
After the hearing, a source close to Qatari-owned PSG indicated that a decision from the league is expected on October 25.
Mbappé’s representatives stated on Monday that the accusations are completely false and irresponsible, emphasizing that “all necessary legal action will be taken to re-establish the truth.”
Having joined Real Madrid this summer after seven years at PSG, Mbappé has maintained a scandal-free private life until now.
Known for carefully managing his public image through a close network of family, lawyers, and spokespeople, he has become one of the world’s highest-paid players, with a career that skyrocketed from his teenage years.
At 19, Mbappé became one of the youngest players to score in a World Cup final, contributing to France’s victory over Croatia in 2018 and earning the title of Best Young Player of the tournament.
In the 2022 Qatar final, he scored a hat-trick against Argentina but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.
