Mbappé named among targets in foiled French kidnap plot
Kylian Mbappé
Abdullateef Fowewe
Kylian Mbappé was reportedly among 26 high-profile individuals targeted in an alleged kidnapping and home-invasion plot in France, with an 18-year-old suspect charged in connection with the scheme, according to Le Parisien.
The Real Madrid forward’s name allegedly appeared on a list of potential victims recovered from phones seized in a prison cell, as investigators probe whether the gang discussed or prepared abductions against several names on it.
Prosecutors say the alleged ringleader, identified as Clément L. and known online as “Lester Z,” was charged on August 21 in Nanterre with organised robbery and linked to a series of home invasions and kidnapping plots between April 11 and August 19 in areas including Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt and Santenay.
Some of those operations are believed to have been carried out, while others remained in the planning stage, with the list of targets including business executives, rap personalities and footballers considered wealthy targets.
Investigators are also examining whether Clément L. continued to direct criminal activity remotely while in custody, using Snapchat to coordinate his network, and he has since been placed in solitary confinement and pretrial detention.
High-profile French footballers have long faced documented security threats, including “home-jackings” targeting PSG players and past reports of kidnapping fears during travel, driven by their wealth, visibility and predictable routines.
The Mbappé case echoes earlier incidents in France where armed gangs have targeted stars for extortion or robbery, underscoring the persistent risk environment around elite athletes and other wealthy public figures.
