Mbappe sues PSG for €55m in unpaid wages and bonuses

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has launched a legal offensive against his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), seeking €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses.

Mbappe’s legal team announced on Thursday that the Judicial Court of Paris has authorised the protective freezing of funds from PSG as the case proceeds. A court hearing is scheduled for May 26, marking the latest escalation in a bitter dispute between the French superstar and his former club.

Read Also: Mbappe refers PSG to LFP disciplinary committee over €55m wage dispute

Mbappe joins broader labour rights push
Mbappe will also bring his case before the labour court, aligning with a wider action led by the French players’ union (UNFP). The union filed a complaint a year ago, accusing clubs of sidelining players who refused to renew their contracts—tactics Mbappe claims were used against him when PSG benched him at the start of the 2023/2024 season.

“We’re going on the attack,” said Mbappe’s lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, during a press conference.

“This is just an employee against a bad payer. Kylian Mbappe is determined to enforce his rights—not just for himself, but for all players who believe they’ve been wronged by their clubs.”

Defamation claim added to growing case
Mbappe is also suing PSG for defamation, alleging that the club planted false stories about him online. PSG has dismissed the claims as a “fanciful tale from a parallel universe” but indicated a willingness to explore an amicable solution.

A PSG official, speaking anonymously, told AFP the club is ready to defend itself in court, insisting Mbappe “is not going to win.”

Disputed ‘hidden agreement’ at the heart of the row
The dispute dates back to August 2023, when Mbappe was frozen out of PSG’s squad after refusing to extend his contract. Had he agreed to an extension, PSG could have received a transfer fee upon his departure. Instead, he left on a free transfer in June 2024, joining Real Madrid under freedom of contract rules.

According to Mbappe’s camp, the 26-year-old had agreed to waive €55 million in bonuses if he left for free—but now contests the validity of that so-called “hidden agreement.” The amount claimed includes:

The final third of a €36 million gross signing-on fee due in February. His last three months’ salary for the 2023/2024 season and a bonus covering the same period.

Massive sum frozen as legal saga begins
PSG’s owners, Qatar Sports Investments, have the financial strength to weather the legal battle. But regardless of the outcome, the €55 million will remain frozen until a final ruling—potentially several years away.

This sum represents a significant chunk of PSG’s €800 million annual budget, even as the club celebrates winning its 11th Ligue 1 title in 13 seasons and eyes a Champions League semi-final after a 3–1 first-leg win over Aston Villa.

Mbappe thriving in Madrid after turbulent PSG exit
Mbappe spent seven seasons at PSG, scoring 256 goals in 308 games. Since joining Real Madrid, he has regained form, netting 22 goals in La Liga and seven in the Champions League so far this season.

His legal battle, however, could redefine player-club relationships across Europe, especially when it comes to labour rights, contract enforcement, and athlete protections.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.