The Kylian Mbappe controversy has taken a darker, sinister turn. The 25-year-old was already facing a lot of flak by the media for sitting out the France vs Israel match due to an injury which he allegedly sustained while partying in Stockholm. Now, news has surfaced that the Swedish authorities had visited the hotel where the footballer and his friends were staying in relation to a rape they are investigating. Mbappe has denied the accusations, with his lawyers stating that the Real Madrid striker was “shocked” to see his name involved in this case, but remains “at ease” because “he has done nothing wrong”.  

 
If proven guilty, these accusations could gravely affect Mbappe’s career and leave a disgraceful stain on his legacy. Several sporting personalities and athletes have experienced this fall in the past for a host of reasons—from drugs to extramarital affairs. Take a look:  

Athletes that fell from the pinnacle of success to rock-bottom:  

Lance Armstrong  

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Once hailed as a cycling legend for winning seven Tour de France titles, Armstrong's reputation was tarnished when he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. His confession led to the loss of his titles and a lifetime ban from competitive cycling, turning his triumphs into a cautionary tale about doping in sports. 

Tiger Woods 

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A golfing icon, Woods saw his clean image shattered in 2009 when details of extramarital affairs emerged. The fallout led to the loss of sponsorship deals and a decline in his career. Though he has made comebacks, Woods’s image remains a reminder of how personal scandals can impact professional legacies. 

Mason Greenwood  

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The Manchester United forward faced suspension and public outrage following accusations of assault. The allegations, although later dropped, caused significant damage to his reputation, leading to his departure from Manchester United and his subsequent move to Getafe. 

Oscar Pistorius 

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Known as the “Blade Runner,” Pistorius was a Paralympic hero until he was charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. Despite his past achievements, Pistorius’s conviction transformed him from a celebrated athlete into a figure synonymous with tragedy. 

Hope Solo 

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The former U.S. women’s soccer goalkeeper faced multiple controversies, including a domestic violence incident that took place in 2014 and for making critical remarks against opponents, which led to her suspension. Solo’s off-field actions overshadowed her contributions to U.S. soccer, leading to the rocky end of her career. 

Ryan Lochte 

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The Olympic swimmer’s career took a hit when he fabricated a story about being robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Rio Olympics. The lie led to a suspension and damaged his credibility, showcasing how off-field behaviour can ripple through an athlete’s professional life.