A Paris labor court has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) must pay Kylian Mbappé over €60 million ($70 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses stemming from a contractual dispute. The ruling, issued on October 10, 2023, marks a significant development in an ongoing legal saga that has seen both parties present conflicting claims over financial obligations.
The court sided with Mbappé after his legal team argued that PSG owed him substantial amounts as part of his contract prior to his anticipated move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. Lawyers for Mbappé previously claimed that PSG’s total debt exceeded €260 million ($305 million), while the club countered by seeking €440 million in damages. This figure was based on alleged financial losses and a “loss of opportunity” following his departure as a free agent.
Details of the Dispute
The conflict escalated when Mbappé opted not to extend his contract, which was set to expire in June 2024. This decision came after PSG had offered him what would have been the most lucrative contract in the club’s history in 2022. Following the announcement of his decision in 2023, relations between the player and the club soured, resulting in his exclusion from the preseason tour and placement in training with reserve players.
The club accused Mbappé of failing to disclose his decision not to renew his contract for nearly eleven months, a situation that they claimed hindered their ability to arrange a transfer, ultimately leading to significant financial repercussions. PSG argued that this breach of trust violated contractual obligations and principles of good faith.
In response, Mbappé’s representatives asserted that the club had not provided any evidence to support claims that he agreed to waive payments. They maintained that PSG had neglected to pay wages and bonuses for April, May, and June of 2024. “Mbappé scrupulously fulfilled his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years,” his advisers stated, emphasizing his efforts to avoid litigation, including a withdrawal of a harassment complaint.
Future Implications
While the court ruling is a decisive victory for Mbappé, it remains subject to appeal, and both parties are likely to continue their legal battles. Mbappé’s representatives expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating it reinforces the importance of honoring commitments in professional sports. There was no immediate comment from PSG regarding the court’s decision.
As the situation develops, PSG has maintained its position, rejecting any claims of harassment and highlighting that Mbappé participated in over 94% of matches during the 2023-24 season under conditions compliant with the Professional Football Charter. The club’s financial claims against Mbappé include €180 million for the lost opportunity of transferring him after a €300 million offer from another club in July 2023.
In June 2024, Mbappé is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, concluding a remarkable tenure at PSG where he scored a record 256 goals in seven years, contributing to the club’s recent success in domestic and European competitions.
