A Paris labor court ruled that Paris Saint-Germain is required to pay Kylian Mbappe over €60 million (approximately $70 million) regarding a dispute related to unpaid wages and bonuses linked to his contract’s conclusion in 2024.
Last month, arguments were presented in the Council of Labor Courts in Paris amid this judicial battle over substantial amounts. Recently, the court reached a decision in favor of Mbappe amid allegations of betrayal and harassment concerning his relationship with PSG.
The financial award is notably close to Mbappe’s initial claim of €55 million.
In November, his representatives argued that PSG owed him over €260 million, contending that his temporary contract should actually be classified as permanent—a motion rejected by the judges. Such a reclassification could have unlocked compensation for wrongful dismissal, overdue salaries, bonuses, and severance payments.
Meanwhile, PSG sought €440 million from Mbappe, citing damages and a ’loss of opportunity’ stemming from his departure as a free agent. No immediate comments were available from the European champion.
Mbappe’s representatives expressed that this ruling can be appealed and emphasized that it underscores the necessity for commitments to be honored, affirming that professional football is subject to labor laws applicable to all.
The rapport between the 2018 World Cup champion and the reigning European champion soured when Mbappe decided in 2023 not to renew his contract expiring in the summer of 2024.
This decision meant the club missed out on a lucrative transfer fee despite having extended him the most favorable contract in the club’s history when he inked a new deal in 2022. He was excluded from a pre-season tour and had to practice with backup players.
While he missed the league’s opening match, he made his return to the roster for a culminating season subsequent to discussions with the club—negotiations pivotal to this conflict.
Ongoing Conflict
The club accused Mbappe of reneging on a purported agreement from August 2023 that purportedly involved receiving a pay deduction if he departed on a free transfer, purportedly crafted to safeguard its financial integrity. PSG alleged that Mbappe concealed his decision not to extend his contract for nearly 11 months from July 2022 to June 2023, hindering the club’s efforts to orchestrate a transfer and inflicting severe financial repercussions. They accused him of violating contract terms along with the principles of good faith and loyalty.
Mbappe’s team refuted PSG’s claims, stressing that the club has not provided substantiating evidence that he consented to forfeit any payments. His lawyers asserted that the club neglected to pay salaries and bonuses for April, May, and June 2024.
“Mbappe meticulously fulfilled his sporting and contract obligations for seven years right up to the last day,” his advisors stated on Tuesday. “He endeavored to avert legal disputes, even withdrawing a harassment claim in reach of reconciliation. In total, he has sought payment of his salaries and bonuses for over 18 months.”
PSG has denied all harassment claims, pointing out that Mbappe participated in over 94% of matches during the 2023-24 season and always operated under conditions aligned with the Professional Football Charter. The club is also requesting €180 million for the lost opportunity in transferring Mbappe, who left as a free agent after declining a €300 million bid from Saudi club Al-Hilal in July 2023.
Mbappe made a free transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, after netting a club-record 256 goals across seven seasons with PSG, all while the team clinched the Champions League title during his absence.
