An ongoing dispute between Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain has reached a labour court in Paris on Monday, as both parties seek huge compensation fees from each other over various issues. The former is demanding that his ex-club pay him £232m.
The Parisian side brought the forward to France's capital in 2017 for an astonishing £166m from Monaco, with the pair going on to enjoy a frutiful relationship over seven years. Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 games for the club, helping them win 15 trophies while leading the line alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
However, the connection between both parties soured over time, and has only deteriorated following the French international's free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024. The issue between the pair dates back to July 2023, when Mbappe was in the final year of his deal at the Parc des Princes. He refused a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and refused to sign a contract extension, later claiming that he had subsequently been frozen out of the team.
The following month, having missed the club's pre-season tour and opening match of the season, reports indicated that the 26-year-old had made an agreement with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to forgo €55m in bonus payments, which would allow him to leave on a free transfer and protect the club's financial health. But after leaving the club, he instructed his team to pursue payment. And while PSG were ordered to hand over the sum, they appealed the instruction by the Ligue de Football Professional (LFP) to pay him in September 2024.
Mbappe and PSG Both Seeking Sums
Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Paris St Germain Press Conference - Paris, France - May 23, 2022 Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi pose with a shirt during the press conference REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Although PSG believe there was an agreement between both parties to forgo some of his end-of-contract payments, Mabppe's team have disagreed with this notion. Consequently, they have taken the issue to labour court, claiming that he is owed £232m in damages because of the dispute and treatment by the club.
However, the club are also seeking damages, as they believe that they are owed compensation for the failed move to Al-Hilal, which would have brought in €300m (£259m). They argue Mbappe was in breach of "legally binding contractual commitments" and believe that he "acted disloyally by concealing for nearly eleven months, between July 2022 and June 2023, his decision not to extend his contract."
Additionally, the club have rejected their former player's claims of "harassment or pressure." Consequently, they are asking for Mbappe to pay them €240m (£211m) for lost transfer revenue, damage to the club's image and breach of agreement.
The tribunal will take several weeks to reach a decision on the matter. It is expected to reach a verdict by 16th December.