Former France international and Ligue 1-star Wissam Ben Yedder received a suspended two-year jail sentence on Tuesday following a conviction for sexually assaulting a woman in early September. Known as the former captain of AS Monaco and the club’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, Ben Yedder, 34, has been without a club since his contract with Monaco ended last season.
The incident reportedly took place on the night of September 6, when Ben Yedder, allegedly intoxicated, invited a woman into his car, where he proceeded to perform a sexual act in her presence. The woman filed a police complaint immediately after, leading to his arrest later that night. During the trial, Ben Yedder expressed his uncertainty about the incident, stating, “I don’t remember anything, I can’t say if I did it. It’s because of alcohol that I’m here.” He has since entered a rehabilitation program but was absent from the court when sentencing was handed down.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Teams Set to Battle in Final Rounds Across Africa (Full List)
The case is one of multiple legal issues facing Ben Yedder. He is set to appear in court again in December, facing charges of psychological abuse against his estranged wife as they proceed with divorce. Additionally, he faces a rape allegation from another woman dating back to the summer of 2023, which is currently under investigation. Ben Yedder has denied both accusations.
With an illustrious career that includes stints at Toulouse, Sevilla, and Monaco, Ben Yedder also faced legal trouble in Spain, where he received a six-month suspended sentence in 2023 for tax fraud. Despite his recent controversies, he remains a notable figure in French football history, having scored 118 goals in 201 matches for Monaco and appearing in 19 matches for the French national team, scoring three goals.
