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PSG ordered to compensate Mbappe after court ruling
Paris St-Germain must pay Kylian Mbappe €60 million (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses following a labor court decision in Paris on Tuesday. The ruling resolves part of a long-running dispute between the French club and its former star forward.
Dispute origins and court decision
Mbappe had initially sought €263 million (£231.5m) from PSG, citing unpaid wages, bonuses, and alleged mistreatment during his final months at the club. The court acknowledged PSG's failure to pay three months' salary between April and June 2024, along with an ethics bonus and a signing bonus outlined in his contract.
The majority of the awarded sum is believed to stem from unpaid bonuses rather than base salary. PSG had counter-sued Mbappe for €240 million (£211m), claiming damages over his refusal to extend his contract and a failed €300 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in 2023.
Legal arguments and reactions
Mbappe's legal team argued that PSG violated labor laws by withholding payments and subjecting the player to unfair treatment. The court's decision partially validated these claims, though it rejected most of the player's broader demands.
"This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honored. It restores a simple truth: even in professional football, labor law applies to everyone."
Mbappe's legal team
PSG, while accepting the ruling, has not ruled out an appeal. The club stated it had acted in "good faith and with integrity" and would comply with the court's order while focusing on future success.
Background of the conflict
The dispute traces back to Mbappe's decision to reject a contract extension and his subsequent refusal to join Al-Hilal. PSG accused him of concealing his intention to leave for nearly 11 months, causing financial harm to the club. Mbappe, in turn, claimed he was sidelined, missing pre-season tours and early matches in the 2023-24 campaign.
In May, €55 million in PSG's accounts was frozen at Mbappe's legal team's request as the case progressed. The court ultimately dismissed PSG's counter-claims and most of Mbappe's additional demands, focusing on the unpaid wages and bonuses.
Mbappe's legacy at PSG
Mbappe joined PSG in 2017, initially on loan from Monaco, before making the move permanent. Over seven seasons, he became the club's all-time top scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, including 44 goals in his final season. He won 15 trophies during his tenure in Paris before departing for Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
What's next
PSG have confirmed they will pay the awarded sum but may pursue an appeal. The club emphasized its commitment to moving forward, while Mbappe's legal team celebrated the ruling as a validation of contractual obligations in football.
