Just when it seemed like Kylian Mbappé was turning the page on one controversy, another one has popped up—this time involving a donation that was meant to be a good deed.
French authorities have now opened an investigation into payments Mbappé made to police officers, trying to figure out whether the money was for World Cup-related security or something more personal.
Payments Spark Questions After Generous Pledge
According to French outlet Le Canard Enchaîné, via Sport, Mbappé reportedly paid a total of around £156,330 (€180,300) to five police officers back in June 2023.
These officers were tasked with protecting the French national team around the time of the 2022 World Cup.
Each of four officers received £26,011 (€30,000), while one received a larger share of £52,278 (€60,300).
These payments reportedly came from a promise Mbappé made to donate his World Cup prize money to the security personnel who had safeguarded the squad.
He even took steps to make sure the payments were properly handled—signing a formal document and checking with his lawyer that the officers wouldn’t be taxed on the gift.
Was It for the World Cup or Personal Protection?
Now, investigators are trying to determine if the money really was tied to the World Cup or if some of it may have gone toward personal protection for Mbappé.
One officer in particular has drawn attention.
This officer allegedly traveled with Mbappé on two separate trips in June 2023—one to Cameroon and another to Vaucluse in the south of France.
What’s raising eyebrows is that during this same period, while the French team was playing a European qualifier against Greece in Paris, this officer wasn’t there. Instead, he was in Vaucluse.
That discrepancy is at the heart of the probe.
Police suspect the officer may have overstepped his official duties, possibly breaching what they’re calling a “duty of integrity.”
Mbappé Responds to the Allegations
As the story gathers steam, Mbappé has said he’s more than willing to cooperate with the investigation. “I’m ready to answer any questions,” the Real Madrid forward stated, signaling that he’s got nothing to hide and wants to clarify the matter.
Officers in Question Part of National Security Unit
The officers who received the payments are part of the Republican Security Corps (CRS), a specialized police unit that was assigned to protect the French national team during that time.
So far, there’s no indication of wrongdoing on Mbappé’s part, but the authorities want to be sure everything was above board.
One More Distraction in a Turbulent Year
This investigation arrives as Mbappé is already in the middle of another off-field battle—this time with his former club, PSG.
He’s reportedly seeking about £46 million (€55 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses he believes the club still owes him.
Between legal disputes, media attention, and now police investigations, it’s been a whirlwind year for one of football’s biggest stars—on and off the pitch.