Legal Conflict Between Kylian Mbappé and PSG
The ongoing legal conflict between Kylian Mbappé and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) intensified this week as both parties made extravagant financial requests. The star French forward is locked in a dispute with the club regarding alleged unpaid salaries, which was addressed in an industrial court setting.
Financial Demands
Notably absent from the hearing, Mbappé has previously asserted that he is owed €55 million (around $63 million) by his former employer. However, his current demand has skyrocketed to over €260 million (approximately $301 million), as he contends that his temporary contract should be treated as permanent. According to this reclassification, he claims he would be entitled to compensation for unfair dismissal, unpaid salaries, bonuses, and severance pay. Furthermore, he is seeking damages related to moral harassment, illicit work practices, and breaches of PSG’s obligation to ensure his safety and well-being.
Mbappé’s representatives emphasized in a statement that he is merely seeking to invoke his legal rights, similar to any employee.
Conversely, PSG is pursuing a staggering €440 million (about $510 million) from the star forward. This includes €180 million (around $208 million) for a supposed “loss of opportunity” regarding his transfer, resulting from him leaving the club as a free agent after rejecting a lucrative €300 million ($348 million) deal from Saudi club Al Hilal in mid-2023. In its statement, PSG also highlighted demands for compensation relating to breaches of good faith during negotiations and contractual obligations, along with reputational harm.
Upcoming Court Decision
A decision from the court is anticipated next month. PSG argued that there was a verbal agreement in place with Mbappé concerning the forfeiture of certain bonuses following his choice not to extend his contract prior to the 2023-24 season. The club maintained that it had evidence indicating Mbappé exhibited disloyalty by hiding his decision against contract extension for nearly a year, which hindered the club’s ability to facilitate a transfer.
In August 2023, an agreement was purportedly reached that guaranteed a salary reduction if he decided to leave without a transfer, aimed at maintaining PSG’s financial stability in light of substantial investments. However, Mbappé’s team countered that PSG has not provided any proof of such an agreement.
After accusing the club of moral harassment, the forward referenced a practice known as “lofting,” where players are isolated from the main squad due to various concerns.
Mbappé expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment when he was sidelined before the recent season, following his decision on his contract.
Mbappé’s Tenure at PSG
The forward’s tenure with PSG, where he tallied a record 256 goals over seven seasons, concluded amidst significant strife. After PSG had offered him the most lucrative contract in the club’s history in 2022, Mbappé shocked the organization a year later by opting out of an additional contract year, complicating PSG’s strategy to retain or sell him before his contract expired. He ultimately transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free deal.
Mbappé had originally joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 for €180 million ($209 million). Throughout the tension, Mbappé was excluded from the club’s preseason tour and had to train with reserve players, although he managed to reintegrate into the team shortly after discussions with club management.
