Even during his vacation, Kylian Mbappé finds himself embroiled in controversy, struggling to find calm amid mounting allegations, given media reports as of July 18, 2025.
The Real Madrid star recently retracted accusations he had made against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in which he claimed psychological harassment.
Mbappé alleged that PSG isolated him from his teammates and compelled him to train alongside players excluded from the team’s Japan and South Korea tour.
However, those issues now seem overshadowed by a new, potentially more serious matter.
The matter is a formal investigation that has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office regarding several cheque payments made by the 26-year-old forward.
The catalyst for the investigation was a report from the satirical weekly magazine Le Canard Enchaîné.
Le Canard Enchaîné, through its sports division GSP, disclosed on Wednesday that Mbappé had donated €180,300 to certain members of the police force.
The said force was charged with the security of French national football team players.
This revelation prompted the Paris prosecutor’s office to launch an inquiry on Thursday.
According to an AFP statement, the probe is based on a Tracfin report dated July 2024.
It flagged irregularities in cheques issued by Mbappé to five CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité) officers responsible for the protection of the French national teams.
The investigation is centered on suspicions surrounding these unusual financial transactions that may have benefited both police officers and private security personnel.
Sources close to the case reveal that a total of eight individuals are involved: five CRS police officers and three private security agents.
The Paris prosecutor’s office explained that the National Directorate of Investigations (DNE), part of the General Inspectorate of the National Police, is conducting a judicial inquiry.
This inquiry is reportedly focused on allegations of undeclared payments and potential money laundering connected to these transactions.
Authorities have emphasized the complex nature of the ongoing investigation, given the intricate financial dealings being examined. The goal is to ascertain whether any criminal offenses were committed and, if so, to identify the responsible parties.
Le Canard Enchaîné further alleges that these cheques from the French national team captain were essentially hush money, used to pay clandestinely for private security services rendered during personal trips.
Notably, the reporters contend that the police officers accompanied Mbappé on private journeys to locations such as Cameroon and Provence, and that the payments, totaling €180,300, covered such assignments.
In response, Mbappé’s representatives released an official statement defending the forward’s actions.
They insisted that all payments were conducted legally and transparently, with no expectations of special favors or quid pro quo.
The statement highlighted that Mbappé has consistently elected to donate his bonuses in full since his debut with the French national team.
Specifically, following the 2022 World Cup, Mbappé purportedly distributed these bonus payments openly, not only to charitable associations but also to all security personnel who accompanied the national team.
This group consisted of eight individuals, including several CRS officers assigned to the French Football Federation (FFF).
The statement also drew a clear distinction regarding one police commander mentioned in the reports, affirming that he was never compensated for accompanying Mbappé during the trips.
This clarification was published by prominent French sports daily L’Equipe as well.
Meanwhile, Le Canard Enchaîné reports that disciplinary action is anticipated for the police commander involved.
A disciplinary board is slated to convene in the fall, and the individual is reportedly required to reimburse amounts that are deemed to have been inappropriately received.
This move suggests further consequences for those implicated in the questionable payments.
When contacted by AFP, the police commander’s lawyer, Jean-Baptiste Soufron, declined to comment on the ongoing case, adding to the air of uncertainty still surrounding the issue.
In summary, what began as a contentious off-field dispute involving accusations of mistreatment at PSG has now evolved into a judicial matter.
This matter involves allegations of illicit financial transactions linked to one of football’s biggest stars.
The unfolding investigation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by Mbappé and those associated with him.
The forward’s camp insists on the legality and transparency of his actions.
On the other hand, prosecutors remain focused on determining whether any laws were broken and whether anyone must be held accountable for these financial dealings.
As the inquiry proceeds, it remains to be seen how this episode will impact Mbappé’s reputation and future career, especially as he tries to balance his immense professional obligations with continuing public scrutiny.
