- Mbappé Cleared of Rape Allegations
- Lack of Evidence Ends Investigation
- Mbappé Calls Reports "Fake News"
Swedish prosecutors have officially closed an investigation into an alleged rape case that had been linked to French football star Kylian Mbappé, citing insufficient evidence.
The case, which was reportedly tied to an incident in Stockholm, has now been concluded. Marina Chirakova, a senior prosecutor with the Swedish Prosecution Authority, confirmed the decision, stating that there was not enough evidence to proceed with further action.
Mbappé, who had been the subject of media speculation, was never formally named as a suspect nor informed by the authorities about being under suspicion. At the time the allegations emerged in October, Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, firmly denied the claims and vowed to pursue defamation charges. Mbappé himself had referred to the reports as “fake news.”
Ms. Chirakova explained the conclusion, saying, “The evidence was not sufficient to proceed further, and the investigation is therefore closed.” The alleged assault, along with two separate instances of sexual harassment, was reported to have occurred at a hotel in Stockholm on October 10.
Swedish media outlets, including Aftonbladet, Expressen, and SVT, had initially reported on the incident, identifying Mbappé as a suspect. Following the reports, police were seen at the Bank hotel, where Mbappé had stayed, with bags of evidence, including clothing.
On Sunday, Mbappé spoke publicly about the matter for the first time on French television, reiterating his innocence. “I haven’t received anything, no summons… I’m not involved,” he stated.
Mbappé’s lawyer had previously criticized the Swedish media’s reporting, calling it defamatory and emphasizing that Mbappé is rarely in situations where such allegations could arise. “He is never alone. He is never put in a position where he ends up in a situation that would lead to him taking a risk,” Canu-Bernard asserted.
Mbappé, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, has had a distinguished football career. He scored his 50th Champions League goal this week and remains one of the world’s top players. The 25-year-old forward won the 2018 World Cup with France and made history with a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, where France was defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Having finished third in both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s Best Men’s Player awards last year, Mbappé continues to be a major figure in international football.
