PSG Sentenced to Pay Millions to Mbappé

Paris Labor Court condemned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday to pay 61 million euros to Kylian Mbappé for unpaid salaries and bonuses. The ruling brings partial closure to one of the most complex disputes in recent French football.

Although Mbappé originally claimed over 260 million euros, the court decided to condemn the club only for verified salary arrears. PSG was sentenced to pay with provisional enforcement, meaning the club must pay even if it appeals the verdict. The ruling marks an important milestone in protecting the labor rights of footballers.

Why was the club sentenced?

The court determined this sentence because PSG did not pay the forward’s last three months of salary during 2024. Specifically, Mbappé sued for wages from April, May, and June, when he was still playing for the Parisian club. Beyond salaries, the sentence included an ethics bonus and signing bonus that were also withheld.

The court added six million additional euros for unpaid vacation time, bringing the total to 61 million. PSG was sentenced because judges determined the club presented no written agreement proving Mbappé had waived those rights. The club claimed a verbal agreement existed, but the court rejected this argument due to lack of official documentation.

PSG presented a defense that included accusations against Mbappé of «disloyal conduct.» The club argued that the forward concealed for nearly eleven months, from July 2022 to June 2023, his intention not to renew his contract. They contended this concealment prevented them from managing a transfer and caused significant economic damage.

Therefore, PSG was sentenced but also filed counterclaims requesting 450 million euros in damages. However, the judges completely rejected these claims. The court found that PSG did not prove Mbappé breached contractual obligations. The magistrates emphasized that Mbappé scrupulously fulfilled his sporting duties for seven years.

What was the reaction to the ruling?

Mbappé’s lawyers expressed satisfaction even though PSG will have to pay less than originally claimed. Attorney Delphine Verheyden stated that «we have spent 18 months demanding payment of the salaries owed to him and that is what we obtained.» Her colleague, Frédérique Cassereau, called the ruling «historic» because it strengthens players’ rights against clubs.

She suggested it would be «elegant» if PSG did not appeal the verdict. For its part, the club issued a statement saying it «has always acted in good faith.» PSG stated it will comply with the ruling but «reserves the right to appeal.» The decision can be appealed to a higher court, though experts believe the ruling will be difficult to overturn due to the strength of the judicial arguments in Mbappé’s favor.

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