The legal confrontation between Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) intensified as both sides submitted massive financial claims during an industrial court hearing. The French star, who did not attend the session, significantly increased his compensation demand from the previously stated €55 million to more than €260 million ($301 million). He argues that PSG must pay this amount because his fixed-term contract should legally be reclassified as a permanent one.
Such a change, according to Mbappe’s legal team, would entitle him to compensation for unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, bonuses, severance, and “moral harassment.” He also accuses PSG of undeclared work and violations of the club’s duty of good faith and safety toward him. His advisers insisted, “Kylian Mbappe is not asking for anything beyond what the law provides; he is simply seeking the enforcement of his legal rights, as any employee would.”
The court is expected to deliver a ruling next month, but the stakes have never been higher. The escalating demands highlight how deeply fractured the relationship between Mbappe and his former club has become.
PSG Counters With an Even Bigger Financial Demand
Paris Saint-Germain responded with an extraordinary counterclaim, seeking €440 million ($510 million) in damages from the striker. This includes €180 million ($208 million) for what the club describes as a “loss of opportunity” to complete his transfer. Besides that, they argued that Mbappe’s choice to leave as a free agent deprived them of a massive financial return. The club also claims compensation for alleged breaches of good faith, reputational harm, and image damage.
In its statement, PSG reiterated that Mbappe had verbally agreed to relinquish certain bonuses. This in exchange for rejoining the squad after being sidelined before the 2023-24 season. They argue he acted dishonestly by hiding his decision not to extend his contract “for nearly 11 months,” preventing them from arranging a transfer.
Mbappe’s camp rejected these accusations, stating that PSG never demonstrated proof of any agreement that would justify withholding payments.
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Tensions Peak During Mbappe’s Final Season
This legal battle is the culmination of an already strained final season between player and club. Mbappe claimed he experienced “lofting,” a French term referring to the isolation of a player from the main squad for sporting or disciplinary reasons. He was removed from PSG’s preseason tour and forced to train with fringe players after informing the club he would not activate his contract extension.
Although he was later reinstated and played more than 94% of official matches that season, the damage had been done. PSG denied any form of harassment, insisting all decisions were made by the coach “in conditions compliant with the Professional Football Charter.”
The fracture between the two sides exposed a breakdown of trust that could not be repaired, paving the way for an inevitable split.
A Bitter End Before a New Beginning
Mbappe eventually joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer. They are ending a seven-year spell in Paris, where he scored a club-record 256 goals. Despite his contributions, PSG felt betrayed, especially after offering him the most lucrative contract in club history in 2022. When he declined the option for an additional year, the club feared losing him for nothing—ultimately, exactly what happened.
His departure closed a turbulent chapter marked by internal tension and public disputes. Besides that, now there’s a courtroom battle involving sums that dwarf most football contracts. The outcome of this legal clash could set a precedent for future disputes between clubs and star players.
For now, both sides wait on the court’s ruling, which may determine whether this saga ends with compensation, vindication, or continued conflict. Stay tuned for the latest football news only at footballcoasters.co.uk.