French soccer star Kylian Mbappé has been named as the subject of a rape investigation in Sweden by local media.
It’s been alleged that the player raped an unnamed woman while visiting Stockholm last week. Swedish authorities have confirmed they’re investigating an incident but did not name Mbappé.
Mbappé denies allegations
Mbappé, who currently plays for Spanish team Real Madrid, denies the allegations, which he’s described as “fake news”. He’s linked the reports to an ongoing pay dispute with his former team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Earlier this week, Swedish media reported that Mbappé had been accused of sexual assault after visiting Stockholm last week.
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has since released a statement “in response to media reports”, confirming a rape had been reported to police. “According to the report, the incident took place on October 10, 2024, at a hotel in central Stockholm,” the statement said. It did not name Mbappé.
Mbappé’s response
The soccer player’s communications team told media the accusation is “totally false and irresponsible”, and that the reporting of it has been “unacceptable”.
In a post to X, Mbappé called the allegation “fake news”. He suggested its timing is related to an upcoming hearing in an ongoing pay dispute with his former club PSG.
Mbappé’s last contract with PSG, signed in 2022, was reportedly worth around €250 million ($AU407 million). He now alleges PSG owes him €55 million ($AU90 million).