Swedish prosecutors have announced the closure of a preliminary investigation into an alleged rape in Stockholm that had been linked to French football star Kylian Mbappé. The case, which had generated significant media attention, was dropped due to insufficient evidence to proceed with legal action.
Case Details
The allegations stemmed from an incident reported to have occurred on October 10, 2024, at a central Stockholm hotel. While official statements from the prosecutor’s office did not name Mbappé, Swedish media outlets including SVT and Aftonbladet identified him as the suspect.
Prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who led the investigation, explained the decision: “After a thorough examination of the evidence, we concluded that there is no sufficient basis to continue the investigation.” She added that the available information did not meet the threshold required to file charges.
Mbappé’s Denial and Legal Team’s Response
Kylian Mbappé had consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as “fake news” in a post on social media shortly after the reports emerged. His legal team expressed satisfaction with the prosecutors’ decision to drop the case, reiterating his innocence and criticizing the handling of the matter by the media.
“This case has caused unwarranted harm to our client’s reputation,” a spokesperson for Mbappé’s legal team stated. “We are pleased that justice has prevailed, but the damage caused by the premature and speculative reports cannot be undone.”
Media Scrutiny and Timing of Allegations
The allegations surfaced during a contentious period for Mbappé, who was involved in a legal dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages. Supporters and legal experts questioned the timing of the accusations, suggesting they may have been an attempt to distract from his professional achievements and ongoing negotiations.
Impact on Mbappé’s Career
With the case now officially closed, Mbappé is free to focus on his career. The 25-year-old forward, who recently joined Real Madrid, continues to shine on the pitch, playing a key role for both his club and the French national team. The dismissal of the allegations allows him to move forward without the shadow of these serious accusations.
A Broader Discussion
While the case has been closed, it has reignited discussions about the balance between protecting individuals from false accusations and ensuring that all reports of misconduct are taken seriously. Advocacy groups have emphasized the importance of thorough and fair investigations in such cases to safeguard justice for both parties involved.
For now, Kylian Mbappé’s focus remains on football as he aims to solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest talents.