Swedish prosecutors have confirmed that a rape investigation has been initiated in Stockholm, following media reports that the France captain and Real Madrid star, Kylian Mbappé, is the suspect.
According to documents seen by the Swedish public broadcaster SVT, the French footballer is 'reasonably suspected' of rape, which is the lower level of suspicion under Swedish law. The rape report was made after Mbappé's visit to Sweden, as reported by other Swedish publications.
The Swedish Prosecution Authority stated on Tuesday: '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. According to the report, the incident took place on 10 October at a hotel in central Stockholm.'
The investigation is being led by senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who was unable to provide further comment. The prosecutor's office declined to respond to questions about the allegations, stating: 'There is nothing else that the prosecutor can confirm nor deny.'
Mbappé did not participate in France's Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium during the most recent international break, opting instead to aid his recovery from a thigh injury. He reportedly visited Chez Jolie, a restaurant in the Swedish capital, before going to a nightclub, V, in Stureplan, according to the newspaper Aftonbladet.
On Monday afternoon, Mbappé reacted angrily to an initial story by Aftonbladet, which referred to the alleged incident but did not link him individually. He wrote on X: 'FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance,' adding a 'winking' emoji. Mbappé's entourage further denied the story in a statement to Agence France-Presse, threatening to take legal action.
PSG declined to comment, with a spokesperson stating they will maintain their 'dignity and class.' It is understood the club would be shocked and astounded if there were any suggestion they may have been involved in formulating such an allegation. Swedish police said they have no comment and referred to the prosecutor.
