Mbappe's Trans Girlfriend Hoax

Mbappe's Trans Girlfriend Hoax refers to discussions about French football player Kylian Mbappe and trans playboy model Ines Rau's rumored relationship. Several news outlets reported that the two were a couple in the summer of 2022 after they were supposedly photographed together in Cannes. The association was never confirmed at the time by Mbappe or by Ines. The rumors nonetheless led to a transphobic backlash against Mbappe. Several soccer fans allege that the rumor was started by Italian media after Mbappe turned down the opportunity to play for Real Madrid in favor of Paris Saint-Germain in May 2023.