The legal dispute between Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé has escalated, with both parties making substantial financial demands. The French star forward and his former club are at odds over alleged unpaid wages, which are being examined by an industrial court. Mbappé claims the reigning European champion owes him over 260 million euros, arguing that his fixed-term contract should be reclassified as a permanent one, triggering compensation for unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, bonuses, and severance.

Mbappé also claims damages for moral harassment, undeclared work, and breaches of PSG’s duty of good faith and safety toward him. His advisers stated that he is simply seeking the enforcement of his legal rights, as any employee would. In response, PSG is seeking a total of 440 million euros from the striker, including 180 million euros for a “loss of opportunity” to complete his transfer since he left as a free agent after declining a 300 million euros offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal in July 2023.

PSG also seeks compensation for breaches of good faith in both negotiations and contract performance, as well as for reputational and image damage. A decision from the court is expected next month. The dispute stems from Mbappé’s decision to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after scoring a club-record 256 goals in seven years at PSG. The club argued that Mbappé acted disloyally by concealing his decision not to extend his contract, thereby depriving the club of any possibility of arranging a transfer.

Mbappé’s camp replied that PSG never produced any evidence of an agreement to waive payments. The player had accused PSG of moral harassment, denouncing the ‘lofting’ he claimed to have been subjected to at the club. The term lofting is used in France to describe a practice of isolating a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons. The relationship between Mbappé and PSG ended amid deep tensions, as the club felt let down after offering him the most lucrative contract in club history when he signed a new deal in 2022.

The dispute has significant implications for the football industry, highlighting the complexities of contract negotiations and the potential consequences of disputes between players and clubs. As the court deliberates, the outcome is likely to have far-reaching effects on the sport. With a decision expected next month, the football community will be closely watching the developments in this high-profile case.