Real Madrid‘s new superstar, Kylian Mbappe, finds himself at the center of controversy in his native France — and this time, it’s not because of his dazzling footwork on the pitch. The French forward is currently being investigated by authorities over a series of questionable financial transactions involving five members of the national police’s security forces.
While Mbappe is no stranger to media headlines, this particular spotlight stems from suspicions surrounding substantial payments made from his personal bank account. The French financial intelligence unit, Tracfin, flagged these transactions for further investigation, leading to a police inquiry that could raise serious legal implications for the global football icon.
Suspicious Transfers Raise Questions
The ongoing investigation, led by French law enforcement and internal security services, focuses on a total payment of €180,300 made in June 2023 to five officers belonging to the Republican Security Corps (CRS) — a special police unit tasked with handling public security.
According to reports, the breakdown of the payments is as follows:
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Four agents each received €30,000
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One commanding officer was paid €60,300
These officers had previously served as part of the security detail protecting the French national team, Les Bleus, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, the timing and nature of these payments have raised eyebrows within law enforcement circles.
A Promise of Generosity or Something More?
The controversy intensifies because these payments came six months after Mbappe publicly vowed to donate his entire World Cup earnings to members of the security team who safeguarded the French squad during the high-stakes tournament.
According to several sources, Mbappe had signed a formal agreement pledging the funds as a gesture of gratitude. His legal team also reportedly assured the recipients that the money would not need to be declared for tax purposes, describing it as a charitable donation, not taxable income.
Yet, French investigators are not entirely convinced. They now seek to determine whether these transactions were genuine philanthropic donations or undisclosed payments for private security services provided to Mbappe outside of official duty.
Private Trips Raise Red Flags
Adding to the suspicions is the revelation that the commanding officer who received the largest share of the funds accompanied Mbappe on two personal trips in June 2023 — one to Cameroon, and another to Vaucluse, in the south of France.
Both journeys were unrelated to any national team duties, prompting investigators to probe whether this officer was acting as a private bodyguard during these travels. If so, it could indicate that the money was not a charitable donation, but rather a form of compensation for personal services, potentially violating police conduct regulations.
Mbappe’s Camp Responds
As the probe gains momentum, Mbappe’s legal representatives maintain that the payments were part of a previously agreed donation, in line with his commitment after the 2022 World Cup. They emphasize that there was no wrongdoing and that the star striker simply wanted to reward those who had served and protected his team with honor and dedication.
However, French authorities are proceeding with caution. The CRS officers involved in the transaction are also under scrutiny, with investigators examining their roles, travel logs, and financial records to determine the legality and transparency of the arrangements.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications not just for Kylian Mbappe’s public image but also for his off-the-pitch affairs as a global ambassador of sport. As one of the highest-profile athletes in the world and a symbol of French national pride, any confirmed misconduct could lead to legal consequences or reputational damage.
For now, Mbappe continues his journey with Real Madrid while the French legal system works to unravel the truth behind the mysterious payments. Whether it’s an honest act of generosity or something more complex, only time — and the investigators — will tell.
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