Deschamps Responds to Rape Allegation Report Involving Mbappe, Urges Caution

France coach Didier Deschamps has voiced concern over recent media reports claiming that national team captain Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape in Sweden, calling it a “negative” development for the squad. The allegations surfaced just days after France’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
During a press conference, Deschamps acknowledged the media’s freedom to publish stories but urged caution. “Be careful when you pick things up,” he said, advising journalists to verify information before releasing it. “You had better take a step back before publishing anything and everything.”
The controversy began when Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that a rape allegation had been filed with the police, though it did not name a suspect. Another outlet, Expressen, later claimed that Mbappe was the accused. The 25-year-old Real Madrid striker has since dismissed the report as “fake news.”
Mbappe, who was given time off to focus on his fitness ahead of France’s recent matches, has been at the center of controversy following the claim. Deschamps, however, has refrained from addressing the issue with Mbappe directly, stating that the player is “big enough to know how to communicate.”
Despite the reports, Deschamps emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, reminding reporters that some things are “not difficult to verify.”