An investigation has been launched into potentially fraudulent payments made by Kylian Mbappe to five police officers tasked with protecting the French national football team, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed to AFP on Thursday.
The probe follows a tip-off from France’s anti-money laundering agency, Tracfin, part of the finance ministry, which flagged “unusual financial transactions” involving the officers. According to officials, the investigation is still at an early stage.
“Investigations, which are by their very nature complex in the case of financial transactions, are underway in order to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
The revelations were first reported by French investigative weekly Le Canard Enchaine, which claimed that Mbappe had used his own funds to make undeclared payments totalling €180,300 (approximately $209,000) for what were described as “private services.”
The Real Madrid striker’s representatives responded swiftly, denying any wrongdoing and maintaining that all transactions were above board.
“Everything was done in compliance with the rules,” a statement from Mbappe’s entourage said, adding that the player has “always chosen to donate in full his bonuses” from international duty with France.
“It’s what he did after the 2022 World Cup, with complete transparency,” the statement added, noting that the funds had been directed to charitable organisations and to personnel providing security for the national team.
As France’s national team captain and one of the highest-profile figures in world football, Mbappe’s finances and philanthropic gestures have regularly drawn attention. The current inquiry, however, raises serious questions about how funds intended for bonuses or charitable donations may have been distributed — and whether any laws were breached in the process.
The identities of the five police officers involved have not been disclosed, and no formal charges have been brought. The case remains under investigation.