Kidnap plot targeting Kylian Mbappé foiled in France

French police have foiled a plot to kidnap Kylian Mbappé, according to Le Parisien. An 18-year-old, named as Clément L., is accused of running a gang that had drawn up a list of 26 targets for robbery or abduction, with the Real Madrid forward among them.

Clément, who went by the alias "Lester Z" online, gave orders to accomplices while already behind bars. It was only when investigators examined phones seized from him that the wider scheme emerged: a series of break-ins and kidnappings planned or carried out between 11 April and 19 August in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt and Santenay.

The list of targets also included businessmen, a butcher and an unnamed rapper. Clément has been remanded in custody and placed in solitary confinement; his alleged accomplice has been released but remains under judicial supervision. He denies being the mastermind, telling investigators he acted only as a go-between for a supposed leader and those who carried out the operations.

In June, a gang tried to break into the home of Spain international Lamin Yamal in Esplugues de Llobregat.