Stockholm: Swedish prosecutors have closed an inquiry related to an alleged rape case that was previously linked to French football captain Kylian Mbappé. The decision to end the investigation was announced by Marina Chirakova, a senior prosecutor at the Swedish Prosecution Authority, who cited insufficient evidence as the reason for closure.
Lack of Evidence Leads to Case Closure
The alleged incident reportedly occurred in Stockholm on October 10, 2023, in a hotel where Mbappé was staying. Despite the media speculation, prosecutors never formally named Mbappé as a suspect nor informed him that he was under investigation. The inquiry involved claims of rape and two instances of sexual harassment, but ultimately, the evidence collected did not warrant further action.
Following the emergence of these allegations in October, Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, stated that her client intended to take legal action for defamation. She emphasized that Mbappé was not involved in any wrongdoing and that he had not received any official notification regarding the investigation.
Mbappé’s Response to Allegations
In a recent appearance on the French television show Clique, Mbappé expressed his relief at the conclusion of the inquiry, reiterating his innocence: “I haven’t received anything, no summons… I’m not involved.” His legal team has consistently condemned the media reports as defamatory, asserting that Mbappé has always taken precautions to avoid compromising situations.
Swedish Media Involvement
Several Swedish media outlets, including Aftonbladet and Expressen, were instrumental in linking Mbappé to the case, prompting a wave of speculation. The police conducted searches at the Bank hotel, where evidence was collected, including clothing. However, the investigation’s closure indicates that these reports lacked substantive proof.
Kylian Mbappé’s Football Career
Amid the controversy, Mbappé continues to excel in his football career. Recently, he scored his 50th goal in the UEFA Champions League, showcasing his remarkable talent on the field. He joined Real Madrid earlier this year after a successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Mbappé first gained international acclaim as a teenager, helping France win the 2018 World Cup. He also made headlines for his outstanding performance in the 2022 World Cup final, scoring a hat-trick, although France ultimately lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Last year, he finished third in the prestigious Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player awards.
Conclusion
The closure of the inquiry into the alleged rape linked to Kylian Mbappé marks the end of a challenging period for the football star. As he continues to focus on his impressive career, the importance of due process and accurate reporting in the media remains crucial. With the legal matter resolved, fans can now turn their attention back to Mbappé’s contributions to the sport and his ongoing achievements on the field.
