Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé was reportedly included among 26 potential targets of a French criminal group suspected of planning kidnappings, home invasions and robberies.

Kylian Mbappé named among 26 targets in shocking alleged kidnapping plot

Kylian Mbappé was reportedly among 26 wealthy and high-profile individuals targeted in an alleged kidnapping plot uncovered by French investigators.

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the Real Madrid superstar and France captain appeared among the potential targets of a group suspected of preparing kidnappings, home invasions and robberies.

However, there is currently no public evidence that an operation to physically kidnap Mbappé had already been carried out or that the player was ever approached by the group.

Mbappé reportedly among 26 potential targets

The investigation reportedly uncovered a list involving 26 individuals, including footballers, rappers, business owners and other wealthy figures.

Mbappé was one of the most high-profile names connected to the alleged plans.

The targets reportedly shared one obvious characteristic: significant personal wealth that could make them attractive to criminals seeking money or valuable property.

An 18-year-old suspect is at the centre of the investigation

Le Parisien identified the main suspect as Clément L., an 18-year-old French-Swiss national who allegedly used the name “Lester Z.”

Clément and another suspect were formally placed under investigation in Nanterre on August 21 in connection with organized robbery.

Investigators suspect the teenager may have been involved in directing a series of home attacks and kidnapping plans between April 11 and August 19.

Those alleged activities were linked to several locations in France, including Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt and Santenay.

Police investigation reportedly uncovered Mbappé’s name

The case began to develop after an attempted attack involving a watch dealer in Neuilly-sur-Seine on April 25.

Three individuals reportedly arrived at the victim’s home disguised as delivery workers and carrying an empty cardboard box. The watch dealer became suspicious and refused to open the door, forcing the group to leave.

Less than two weeks later, the same man’s watch shop in Paris was robbed by armed men, with 11 luxury watches reportedly stolen.

Evidence gathered during the investigation eventually helped police identify suspects and uncover a much wider alleged criminal network.

Phones reportedly contained information on wealthy targets

Investigators reportedly discovered information connected to 26 wealthy individuals, including athletes, entertainers and business figures.

Mbappé was among the names identified during the investigation.

The discovery raised fears that the group was not simply targeting luxury goods, but may also have been considering kidnappings and violent home attacks against wealthy victims.

Suspect allegedly operated while already in prison

One of the most disturbing elements of the case is the allegation that Clément continued communicating with people outside prison.

According to reports, investigators believe he used Snapchat under the alias “Lester Z” while being held at the Villepinte prison in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Authorities suspect instructions connected to criminal operations may have been transmitted from inside prison.

Clément has disputed being the mastermind of the operation, reportedly presenting himself instead as an intermediary between an unidentified higher-level figure and those carrying out attacks.

Police seized multiple phones

A second suspect was also arrested as investigators expanded the case.

During searches linked to the investigation, police reportedly recovered plastic restraints and several iPhones, which investigators have continued to examine.

The digital evidence could prove crucial in determining how advanced the alleged plans were and exactly which individuals were being targeted.

Main suspect remains in custody and isolation

Clément L. remains in custody and has been placed in isolation, while another suspected accomplice was released under judicial supervision.

At a hearing on September 2, the teenager challenged both his detention and isolation conditions.

The Versailles Court of Appeal’s investigative chamber ultimately maintained his detention and isolation while the investigation continues.

Was Mbappé actually almost kidnapped?

This is the most important distinction surrounding the story.

Reports indicate that Mbappé was identified as a potential target of the alleged criminal group. That does not necessarily mean a kidnapping attempt against the Real Madrid forward had already begun.

There has been no confirmed report that suspects approached Mbappé, entered his property or made physical contact with him as part of the alleged plot.

For that reason, claims that Mbappé “escaped a kidnapping attempt” would go beyond what has currently been established publicly.

No public reaction yet from Mbappé

Mbappé has not publicly commented on the reported plot at the time of writing, while Real Madrid has also not announced any specific security measures linked to the case.

The investigation is continuing in France as authorities attempt to establish the full structure of the suspected network and determine how far the plans against its potential targets had progressed.

For Mbappé, the immediate danger appears to have been prevented before any publicly confirmed attack against him took place. However, his reported presence among the 26 targets underlines the disturbing security risks faced by some of football’s biggest stars.