Real Madrid back Mbappe amid Swedish rape investigation reports

Real Madrid are standing by their star player Kylian Mbappé after reports emerged in Swedish media that he is under investigation for alleged rape during a visit to Stockholm.

The club, reigning European champions, has not officially commented on the situation but seems unconcerned. Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, continues to have the club’s support.

An anonymous source within the club called the accusations “the biggest fake in the history of sport” when speaking to AFP, while Real Madrid have not shown signs of changing their stance on the matter.

There was controversy on Tuesday when Mbappé was left out of promotional photos for a campaign with Real Madrid’s kit sponsor Adidas. The club explained this decision by stating it was due to Mbappé being sponsored by Nike, Adidas’ competitor. However, social media users questioned this reasoning, pointing out that other Nike-sponsored players, like Eduardo Camavinga, appeared in the photos.

Amidst the media attention, Mbappé trained with his Real Madrid teammates on Tuesday. His lawyer spoke to AFP and other French outlets, stressing that Mbappé was “shocked” to be linked to the investigation. Despite the rumors, Mbappé is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Celta Vigo on Saturday, having recovered from a thigh issue that kept him out of France’s recent Nations League fixtures.

The controversy stems from a trip Mbappé took to Stockholm from October 9 to 11 with friends. Swedish media reported that they visited a restaurant and nightclub during their stay. After Mbappé’s group left Sweden, a woman reported to the police that she had been raped.

On Monday, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet revealed that an investigation had been opened. Mbappé responded on social media, calling the report “fake news” and suggesting it was related to his ongoing financial dispute with Paris Saint-Germain. He hinted that the timing of the allegations was suspicious, as it came just before a hearing regarding his conflict with PSG.

A Swedish prosecutor confirmed that an investigation is underway but did not name Mbappé. His lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, told AFP that Mbappé was calm, knowing he “had done nothing wrong.” She added that they intend to file a defamation complaint, stating, “It’s impossible to allow such slander and defamation to continue.”