STOCKHOLM – Swedish prosecutors have closed an investigation into alleged rape and sexual assault in Stockholm that local media claimed targeted Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, citing insufficient evidence.
Prosecutor Marina Chirakova announced on Thursday that the case, related to an incident on October 10 at an upscale hotel in the Swedish capital, would not proceed further. “My assessment is that the evidence is not sufficient to proceed, and the investigation is therefore closed,” Chirakova stated.
Although the prosecution authority did not name Mbappe, Swedish outlets such as Aftonbladet and Expressen identified the 25-year-old French footballer as the suspect. Chirakova clarified that the individual in question had not been interrogated or officially notified of suspicion.
“I have concluded, based on what has emerged in the case, that new evidence, including interrogations of the person in question, would not change the evidence situation right now,” Chirakova told AFP. Despite this, her team conducted numerous interviews during the investigation.
Allegations and Legal Response
The complaint was reportedly filed on October 12, following the alleged victim seeking medical attention.
According to Aftonbladet, the incident occurred during Mbappe’s visit to Stockholm from October 9-11 after he was excluded from France’s squad for a Nations League match. The publication also reported that Mbappe and his entourage dined at a restaurant and visited a nightclub before the alleged incident.
Police seized items, including women’s underwear and clothing, as part of the investigation. Photographs showed officers leaving the hotel with evidence in brown bags.
Petra Eklund, the plaintiff’s lawyer, declined to comment on the closure of the case.
Mbappe’s lawyer expressed shock in October over his client being linked to the investigation. The player himself denied involvement during an appearance on the French television show Clique on Sunday. “I haven’t received anything, no summons… I’m not involved,” he stated.
Career Challenges Amid Allegations
The allegations surfaced during a challenging period for Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer after seven years with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While his career has been largely free of personal scandals, this incident marked an unusual test for the Frenchman, renowned for his disciplined image.
On the pitch, Mbappe has struggled to find his best form since his high-profile transfer. However, he showed flashes of brilliance on Tuesday, scoring in Madrid’s crucial 3-2 Champions League victory over Atalanta.
Madrid, with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham leading the charge, secured a vital win that revived their campaign. The Spanish side now sits on nine points from six matches, easing fears of an early exit from Europe’s premier competition.
A Stellar but Tested Career
Mbappe burst onto the global stage by winning the 2018 World Cup as a teenager and earning a hat-trick in the 2022 final, though France fell to Lionel Messi’s Argentina. At PSG, he formed a formidable trio with Messi and Neymar, though their pursuit of the Champions League remained elusive.
As the investigation closes without charges, Mbappe will aim to focus on reclaiming his top form and steering Real Madrid towards further success.
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