Kylian Mbappe's lawyer has spoken out after the forward's name was linked to a Swedish rape investigation in recent days.

The rape investigation has gained significant attention and revolves around an alleged incident that took place at a hotel in central Stockholm last week. Swedish prosecutors have announced the launch of an inquiry and while the official press release did not identify a suspect, Swedish broadcasters SVT and Expressen report that Mbappe is "reasonably suspected" in the case.

Mbappe was in Stockholm on Thursday and Friday of last week, during which time he visited a nightclub and stayed at a hotel, according to AFP reports. The timeline of these activities coincides with the allegations being made in the media. However, there has been no formal confirmation of any wrongdoing on his part and no charges have been levied as of now.

Speaking publicly about the allegations on French TV’s TF1, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard called the claims against Mbappe a "slanderous denunciation" and strongly defended her client.

"We're talking about a complaint being lodged, and at this time we don't know against whom," she said. "A complaint doesn't reveal anything. Mbappe is never alone. He is never alone, so he would be exposed to a situation where he would be taking a risk. That totally rules out any wrongdoing. It's an absolute certainty. He's particularly serene, but he's flabbergasted by all the media hype. He has no idea what he's being accused of. If there is an investigation, he will submit to Swedish justice. But he is calm because he has nothing to reproach himself for."

The sudden swirl of allegations surrounding the French footballer have added more turbulence to an already dramatic period in his recent life. Mbappe was criticised for withdrawing from international duty to return to full fitness, despite making his comeback from injury before France's recent fixtures.