Mbappe Unaffected By Rape Probe, Says Coach Carlo Ancelotti

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has stated that French star Kylian Mbappe appears “unaffected” by the recent allegations of rape, as reported by Swedish media.

Ancelotti made these comments on Friday, amidst growing speculation that Mbappe is being investigated for an alleged incident that took place during his visit to Stockholm, Sweden.

Earlier this week, Mbappe’s lawyer told AFP that the French captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and confirmed that the player would take legal action for libel.

Mbappe, 25, who recently transferred to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, was reportedly in Stockholm with a group of people after being sidelined from France’s UEFA Nations League matches due to an injury.

Ancelotti, however, dismissed any concerns about Mbappe’s mindset amid the allegations. “In this moment, the reports are speculation. I see him working every day, he is happy, content, and he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti said during a press conference. “He’s looking forward to continuing to help the team.”

The coach further explained that Mbappe had been given time off by the club and that the decision to visit Stockholm during this period was entirely his own. “The days off were set for him, and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do. I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody. I also don’t have a travel agency to organise trips for players,” Ancelotti remarked.

Swedish authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the alleged rape has been opened, although they have not publicly named Mbappe as a suspect. The media reports have, however, linked the football star to the ongoing probe, which has sparked a wave of media attention.

Mbappe took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday to dismiss the allegations, suggesting the timing of the report was suspicious.

He pointed out that the news surfaced just before a hearing with a French league committee, where he is engaged in a legal dispute with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, over €55 million ($60 million) in unpaid wages. “FAKE NEWS!!!! It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” Mbappe wrote.

Mbappe completed a much-anticipated move to Real Madrid over the summer, following seven successful years with PSG. Despite the off-field controversies, Real Madrid will be relying on their new striker to lead their attack in the ongoing season.