Mbappé shocked by Swedish rape inquiry - lawyer

Kylian Mbappé, the captain of the French football team, is "shocked" to find his name mentioned in media coverage related to a rape investigation in Sweden. However, his lawyer has stated that the player remains composed, as he feels he has done nothing wrong.

Swedish officials have announced that a high-ranking prosecutor is looking into a report of an alleged rape that took place in Stockholm. However, they have not disclosed any names related to the investigation.

Swedish news sources are reporting that the French soccer player is connected to allegations regarding an incident that took place at a hotel in downtown Stockholm last Thursday.

Kylian Mbappé has responded as well, calling the reports "FAKE NEWS" to his 14 million followers on X.

Swedish news outlets reported that the football player spent two days in Stockholm last week. On Thursday night, he dined at a restaurant before heading to a nightclub. He was seen strolling through the heart of the city with three companions.

On Monday, Swedish prosecutors explained that a "criminal report" filed with the police indicates that the event being looked into occurred on October 10 at a hotel.

On Monday, police were spotted at the Bank hotel where he had been staying, and they left carrying bags. According to one report, they collected clothing from the hotel as evidence.

According to the Swedish prosecution authority, the inquiry is under the direction of senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who currently cannot share additional details.

Mbappé didn't get selected for France's UEFA Nations League games last week and is now back in training with his team, Real Madrid.

Attorney Petra Eklund, representing the individual who filed the complaint, stated that she is unable to discuss the case at this time due to legal restrictions.

Nevertheless, Swedish broadcaster SVT and various media sources indicated that the allegation included a credible suspicion of rape, which is viewed as a lesser degree of suspicion according to Swedish legal standards.

Kylian Mbappé's attorneys have denounced the media coverage as slanderous. On Tuesday night, lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard appeared on TF1's main evening news and stated that they had no information regarding the complaint or whether it had actually been filed against her client. She mentioned that he was "shocked" by the intense media attention.

"[Kylian Mbappé] is always supported. He is always in a position that minimizes the chances of him facing risky situations," she emphasized.

"This completely eliminates any chance of him engaging in wrong behavior. I can say that with complete confidence."

She mentioned that a complaint didn't demonstrate anything and that she was getting ready to respond with a lawsuit for defamation.

In a social media update on Monday night, the football player seemed to link the news coming out of Sweden to a situation involving his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. He claims that the club owes him €55 million (£46 million) in unpaid salaries and bonuses.

“It’s becoming incredibly predictable, almost as if it happens by coincidence right before the hearing,” he remarked.

Kylian Mbappé, who was PSG's all-time leading scorer, departed from the club during the summer after prolonged discussions. On Tuesday, a hearing took place in front of an appeals committee for the French football league (LFP). PSG is contesting the player's claims, and one of Mbappé's attorneys mentioned that a ruling is anticipated on October 25.

In 2018, Sweden updated its laws regarding sexual assault and rape. Now, an offender can be found guilty of either negligent assault or rape if they "should have understood that the other individual was not giving their consent."