Kylian Mbappé’s Legal Complaint Against PSG
Kylian Mbappé, currently playing for Real Madrid, has lodged a legal complaint against his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), alleging moral harassment, as confirmed by the Paris prosecutor’s office on Thursday. The superstar forward claims that he is owed €55 million (approximately $61 million) in unpaid wages by PSG due to unresolved financial disputes.
Allegations of Isolation and Contract Disputes
The basis for Mbappé’s allegations stems from his discontent with how the club handled his situation after he opted not to renew his contract ahead of the 2023-24 season. According to the prosecutor’s office, the player is asserting that he was subjected to a practice known in France as “lofting”, which involves isolating players from the team for various reasons, whether administrative, sporting, or disciplinary.
Mbappé’s Tenure and Departure from PSG
Mbappé made a notable transfer to Real Madrid last summer, leaving PSG after an impressive tenure where he scored a record-setting 256 goals over seven seasons. During his exit, PSG achieved success, clinching the UEFA Champions League title without him. However, the end of Mbappé’s time at PSG was marked by significant tension, highlighted by fans booing him at Parc des Princes during what turned out to be his final home appearance.
The relationship soured after PSG felt betrayed by Mbappé, despite having presented him with the richest contract in the club’s history upon his signing in 2022. At that time, he was showcased to supporters with a jersey emblazoned with the year 2025, but the actual agreement only bound him through 2024, with an option for an additional year. Frustration mounted as the star forward perceived that PSG had not delivered on promises to sign high-profile teammates.
Contract Negotiations and Exclusion from Training
In a surprising move in June 2023, Mbappé notified PSG that he would not be exercising his option to extend his contract, placing him in a situation where PSG would need to negotiate a transfer rather than risk losing him for nothing when his contract ended. Amidst this tension, Mbappé was excluded from preseason training in Japan and South Korea and forced to train alone.
PSG took the stance that they preferred to sell Mbappé rather than see him depart for free in 2024, even turning down a staggering €300 million ($351.4 million) offer from Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal. Although initially absent from the squad for the league opener of the season, he eventually returned following negotiations with the club.
Legal Developments
In April, Mbappé’s legal representatives indicated their intention to seek justice over the treatment he received, framing it as harassment, and this latest legal development marks a significant escalation in his ongoing dispute with PSG.
