Legal Battle Between PSG and Kylian Mbappé Intensifies Over Financial Claims

The legal dispute between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Kylian Mbappé has intensified as both parties have presented substantial financial claims.

The star forward from France and his former club are embroiled in a conflict regarding alleged unpaid wages, a matter currently under review by an industrial court. Mbappé, who did not attend the hearing, previously asserted that he is owed €55 million ($63 million) by the European champions. He has since increased his demand to over €260 million ($301 million), contending that his fixed-term contract should be reclassified as a permanent one. Such a reclassification would prompt compensation for unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, bonuses, and severance.

Additionally, he has claimed damages for moral harassment, undeclared work, and breaches of PSG’s obligations of good faith and safety towards him.

Kylian Mbappé’s advisers have stated, “He is not seeking anything beyond what the law allows; he is merely asserting his legal rights, as any employee would.”

On the other hand, PSG is seeking a total of €440 million ($510 million) from the striker, which includes €180 million ($208 million) for a perceived “loss of opportunity” following his departure as a free agent after declining a €300 million ($348 million) offer from Saudi club Al Hilal in July 2023. PSG also seeks compensation for breaches of good faith in negotiations and contract execution, as well as damages to its reputation and image.

A court decision is anticipated next month. PSG contends that there was a verbal agreement with Mbappé regarding the relinquishment of bonuses when he chose not to extend his contract prior to the 2023-24 season. The club has presented evidence alleging that the player acted disloyally by withholding his decision not to extend his contract for nearly 11 months, thus limiting the club’s potential to arrange a transfer.

The club’s statement noted that Mbappé later disputed an agreement made in August 2023, which stipulated a salary reduction should he opt for a free transfer, in an effort to maintain the club’s financial stability following a significant investment. Mbappé’s representatives countered that PSG has failed to provide any proof of an agreement to waive these payments.

He also accused PSG of moral harassment, describing a practice known as “lofting” in France, which involves isolating a player from the main squad for various reasons. Mbappé expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment by the Ligue 1 club when he was sidelined prior to the 2023-24 season, following his decision not to renew his contract.

In the summer of 2024, Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after scoring a record 256 goals over seven years at PSG, who subsequently won the Champions League without him.

His tenure with PSG concluded amid considerable tension, as the club felt betrayed after offering him the most lucrative contract in its history in 2022, only for him to inform them a year later that he would not exercise the option for an additional year. This decision placed PSG in a precarious position, necessitating a transfer to avoid losing him for nothing once his contract expired.

Having joined PSG from Monaco for €180 million ($209 million) in 2017, Mbappé was excluded from a preseason tour to Japan and South Korea after announcing he would not extend his contract, leading to his training with less prominent players. Although PSG initially excluded him from the opening league match of the season, he quickly returned to the lineup following discussions.

PSG has denied any allegations of harassment or undue pressure, asserting that Mbappé participated in over 94% of the official matches during the 2023-24 season, with all sporting decisions made by a coach who is now a Champions League winner, and that he consistently trained under conditions compliant with the Professional Football Charter.

This report utilizes information from The Associated Press.