PSG Ordered to Compensate Kylian Mbappé $70 Million for Unpaid Wages

A labor court in Paris has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is required to pay Kylian Mbappé over €60 million (approximately $70 million) due to an ongoing dispute related to unpaid wages and bonuses that were meant to be settled before his transfer to Real Madrid in 2024.

Ruling Details and Context

The case, debated last month at the Conseil de prud’hommes de Paris, revolved around significant financial claims. The court’s decision favored Mbappé amidst allegations of mistreatment and a breakdown of his relationship with the club.

Mbappé’s legal team initially argued that PSG owed him upwards of €260 million (around $305 million), while the club sought €440 million from the player, citing losses related to his departure on a free transfer.

The ruling is subject to appeal, indicating that the legal battle is far from over.

Statements from Mbappé’s Representatives

Following the ruling, representatives for Mbappé stated that the decision underscores the necessity for commitments to be fulfilled and reinforces a fundamental truth: labor laws apply universally, even in the professional sports sector.

No Immediate Response from PSG

As of now, PSG has not publicly commented on the ruling.

The relationship between Mbappé—who was a standout player in the 2018 World Cup—and PSG turned sour when he opted not to renew his contract, which was due to expire in the summer of 2024.

Background of the Dispute

This decision comes after a series of contentious events. The club had previously offered what would be the most lucrative contract in their history to Mbappé in 2022. However, when the player chose to decline a contract extension in 2023, it left PSG without a potential transfer fee.

In retaliation, the club sidelined him from the preseason tour and relegated him to training with less prominent players. While he missed the opening league match, he later reconciled with the club for the remainder of the season, which is central to ongoing disputes.

PSG alleges that Mbappé abandoned an understood agreement from August 2023 that would have reduced his pay if he left as a free agent, a measure they claimed was essential for maintaining financial stability.

The club contends that Mbappé concealed his intention not to renew his contract for nearly eleven months, causing them significant financial distress and preventing a potential transfer.

Mbappé’s Defense

In contrast, Mbappé’s camp denies any wrongdoing, asserting that PSG has not provided evidence that he agreed to forfeit payments. They maintain that the club failed to compensate him for wages and bonuses owed for the months leading up to his departure in June 2024.

His representatives emphasized that he diligently met his contractual obligations throughout his seven years with the club and had sought payment of due salaries for over eighteen months.

PSG has dismissed all claims of harassment from Mbappé, stating he participated in more than 94% of the matches during the 2023-24 season, asserting that he operated under conditions compliant with the Professional Football Charter.

The club continued to seek damages totaling €440 million, including €180 million for the missed opportunity of a transfer due to Mbappé opting to leave as a free agent after rejecting a substantial offer from the Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal in July 2023.

Ultimately, Mbappé transferred to Real Madrid on a free deal in the summer of 2024, concluding a remarkable tenure at PSG during which he scored a record 256 goals while the club secured the Champions League title this year without his contributions.