18-yr-old Arrested Over Plot to Kidnap Football Star, Mbappe

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has reportedly been identified as one of 26 wealthy and high-profile individuals allegedly targeted in a kidnapping plot uncovered by French authorities.

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the alleged operation was being coordinated by an 18-year-old identified as Clement L, who was in prison at the time but allegedly continued directing activities using two mobile phones.

The reported targets included footballers, rappers, wealthy businessmen, jewellers and other prominent figures, with their names and addresses allegedly found on phones seized by prison guards.

Mbappe was reportedly among those listed.

Clement L was already in pre-trial detention over allegations linked to pimping and organised robbery. He had also previously been jailed for armed robbery after investigators identified him as one of two men allegedly involved in an attack on a watchmaker in Paris.

Despite being in custody, he allegedly continued communicating and issuing instructions through Snapchat under the alias “Lester Z”.

A source familiar with the investigation told Le Parisien that the contents of the two phones seized from the teenager were “highly revealing”.

“He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe,” the source reportedly said.

However, Clement L has denied being the mastermind behind the alleged kidnapping plot.

During questioning, he reportedly asked to be released from solitary confinement, telling investigators that he had dropped out of school while studying for a vocational qualification in cooking.

The teenager reportedly said he wanted to return to his studies and pursue a career as a chef.

His request was rejected, and authorities ordered that he remain in solitary confinement as investigations into the alleged plot continue.

The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Clement L have not been proven in court.