Mbappe Outplays PSG in a 61 Million Euro Battle: The Contract Saga Heats Up
16 December 2025
Context and the Ruling
Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid star, wins another round in the long-running legal battle with his former club Paris Saint-Germain and its chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Mbappe left PSG at the end of 2024 when his contract expired, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. The dispute has seen the parties lodge claims across several sports and legal bodies, with PSG arguing Mbappe did not honor commitments while Mbappe's side says he is owed payments that were paused as punishment for leaving.
In a decision handed down in France's labor court, PSG was ordered to pay Mbappe about 61 million euros, covering salaries and paid leave. At a November hearing, PSG had claimed as much as 440 million euros, while Mbappe's lawyers sought 263 million.
Legal filings detailed severance, contract reclassification, alleged unfair dismissal, and other claims addressing 44.6 million, 37.5 million, and 19 million euros.
One Mbappe lawyer, after the hearing, said the judgment underscores the obligation to honor contracts, praising Mbappe's loyalty during seven years and noting his willingness to avoid litigation, including withdrawing a harassment complaint.
The Claims and Counterclaims
Paris Saint-Germain responded with counterclaims totaling 440 million euros, citing image damage, bad faith in contract execution, concealment of an agreement, and loss of a potential sale.
Mbappe's representatives framed the ruling as a victory and highlighted Mbappe's seven-year commitment and efforts to avoid litigation, including withdrawing a harassment complaint to ease the situation while seeking his due wages and incentives for more than 18 months.
Outlook and Repercussions
The ruling may be appealed by PSG, according to Le Parisien, and the dispute could stretch further. The club's response includes 440 million euros in damages for image harm, bad faith, undisclosed agreement, and potential sale loss. Analysts say the case could influence how clubs handle departing stars and compensation clauses in future deals.
Mbappe's camp insists the outcome underscores his loyalty, and his legal team notes the player fulfilled seven years of obligations and sought only what he was owed, including more than 18 months of wages and bonuses.
In the end, the feud is far from over, but for now Mbappe pockets a multi-million win while PSG eyes an appeal, and fans get another chapter in the modern football saga.
Punchline 1: If contracts came with receipts, Mbappe would have returned PSG's—zero balance, 61 million euros, and a lifetime supply of drama.
Punchline 2: In football, the hardest part of a transfer is not the move, it’s convincing the court you actually signed on the dotted line.
