Mbappé’s $60M Pay Dispute with PSG: A Legal Battle in the Making

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Kylian Mbappé, now a Real Madrid star, is locked in a $60.6 million pay dispute with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The conflict centers on wages Mbappé claims were never paid before his move to Madrid in July 2024. This includes a signing bonus, three months of unpaid salary, and an "ethical bonus" that was part of his contract. PSG, however, asserts that the French striker had agreed to waive these payments in August 2023.

Tensions between Mbappé and PSG date back to 2023 when he refused to sign a contract extension, leading to a temporary removal from PSG’s squad. He was later reinstated, but the relationship remained strained. At the time, media reports suggested Mbappé had agreed to forgo loyalty bonuses if he left PSG on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-2024 season. According to PSG, this arrangement was designed to ease the player’s departure while protecting the club’s financial interests.

Despite leaving PSG after a hugely successful period, during which he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won six French championships, Mbappé now claims that certain payments remain outstanding. Specifically, he points to the signing bonus he was due in February 2024, the final three months of his salary, and an ethical bonus tied to his behavior as part of the team.

As negotiations failed, the dispute was taken to the French Football League’s (LFP) legal committee in September 2024, which offered to mediate. However, Mbappé’s representatives rejected the offer, stating that the issue of unpaid wages was evident from the player’s financial records and did not require mediation. In contrast, PSG welcomed the possibility of mediation and emphasized that Mbappé had made public and private commitments to waive these payments. The club insists that these commitments must be honored and expressed confidence in the evidence supporting their case.

The situation has garnered widespread attention as both parties prepare for what could be a lengthy legal battle. Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid was widely expected, but this financial dispute now threatens to overshadow his legacy at PSG, where he was a key figure for seven seasons. With both sides standing firm, the dispute may head to court if no resolution is found.

As of now, PSG remains open to mediation, while Mbappé’s camp remains focused on pursuing the unpaid wages through legal channels. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for both the player and the club, adding another layer of drama to an already complex situation.