He planned to kidnap Mbappé, but police arrested him first

Kylian Mbappé was reportedly among 26 potential targets identified by a criminal group suspected of planning kidnappings in France. French investigators arrested an 18-year-old, identified as Clément L., who allegedly helped run the group through Snapchat from prison.

According to French media reports, investigators found addresses and other information linked to the targets on his two mobile phones. The list allegedly included French rappers and wealthy businesspeople, with the Real Madrid striker the best-known name.

The investigation began after an armed robbery at a Paris watch shop in May. Two attackers allegedly stole 11 luxury watches worth about £128,000. Police arrested one suspect soon after the escape when he crashed a scooter into a truck.

That investigation led officers to Clément L. and an alleged accomplice. Clément L. was already in prison for other offenses and has previous convictions for drug crimes and violent robbery.

He denies being the group's leader. He says he served only as an intermediary between an unknown leader and the people who carried out the crimes. French authorities have not said how far plans to kidnap Mbappé had advanced or whether the footballer faced a direct threat.