In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the football world, a Paris labour court has ordered French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to pay their former star forward, Kylian Mbappé, a staggering €61 million in unpaid salary and bonuses.
The Court's Verdict and PSG's Failed Defence
The decision, delivered earlier today, brings to a close a protracted legal battle between the club and the player who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. Mbappé had taken his former employers to court, claiming they withheld his wages for the months of April, May, and June 2024, along with several contractual bonuses, despite these payments being clearly stipulated in his deal.
Judges sided entirely with the France captain. They concluded that PSG failed to pay three months of basic salary, an ethics bonus, and a signing bonus. The court noted that the French Professional Football League had already recognised these outstanding sums in decisions made in September and October last year, which significantly strengthened Mbappé's position.
PSG attempted to argue that the player had verbally agreed to forgo these payments as part of an informal arrangement linked to his reintegration into the first-team squad during the 2023-24 season. However, this defence was swiftly dismissed. The court stated the club could not provide any written agreement proving Mbappé had willingly waived his contractual rights, a crucial failing under French labour law.
Claims Dismissed and Broader Implications
While Mbappé was successful in his primary claim for unpaid remuneration, the court did reject several additional claims made on his behalf. Allegations of moral harassment, concealed work, and breaches of the employer's duty of care were all dismissed. Furthermore, the court declined to reclassify his fixed-term contract as a permanent one, which limited the scope for any further compensation.
PSG had also counter-argued that Mbappé acted disloyally by concealing his intention not to renew his contract, thereby depriving the club of a chance to secure a massive transfer fee. The judges ruled that such considerations were not relevant to the core issue of unpaid wages and had no bearing on the final outcome.
Mbappé's lawyer, Frederique Cassereau, welcomed the predictable ruling, stating it simply reaffirmed the fundamental principle that salaries and bonuses written into a contract must be paid in full.
End of an Era and a Costly Departure
This legal victory marks the final chapter of Mbappé's seven-year stint at PSG, which began with his move from Monaco in 2017. During his time in Paris, he became the club's all-time leading scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, winning six Ligue 1 titles and 15 major trophies.
His departure to Real Madrid was already a significant sporting blow to the Qatari-owned club. This court order to pay €61 million in outstanding dues now represents a substantial financial setback, concluding a saga that underscores the rigorous protection of employee contracts under French law, even for the world's most high-profile footballers.
