Kylian Mbappé has rejected a mediation offer from the French soccer league’s legal commission in his ongoing financial dispute with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
On Wednesday, Mbappé, who transferred to Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer, declined the mediation proposal concerning claims that PSG owes him 55 million euros ($60 million) for unpaid wages and bonuses. The mediation was suggested following a meeting in Paris between PSG officials and Mbappé’s representatives.
Mbappé’s representatives said the player sought the commission’s involvement to address the non-payment of three months’ salary and a portion of a loyalty bonus. They indicated that mediation would be ineffective in resolving the dispute, which they believe is evident from a review of Mbappé’s payslips.
PSG expressed satisfaction with the two-hour hearing but reiterated that Mbappé had previously made “clear, repeated public and private commitments” that should be honored. The club emphasized that Mbappé received significant benefits during his seven years with PSG.
PSG contends that it does not owe Mbappé under an agreement made when he was sidelined ahead of the 2023-24 season, after he chose not to extend his contract. PSG claims Mbappé agreed to forgo certain bonuses as part of his reintegration into the team.
Mbappé’s representatives countered that PSG is attempting to justify not paying by citing a non-existent secret agreement.
The league’s legal commission recommended mediation, which PSG has been seeking for months. The French league did not respond to a request for comment.
The player’s representatives did not specify their next steps, but the case may ultimately be resolved by an employment court.
Mbappé’s tenure at PSG ended amid significant tension. Despite signing the most lucrative contract in the club’s history in 2022, Mbappé was frustrated by unmet promises regarding new signings. He was reportedly displeased with being presented with a jersey marked “2025,” as his contract was actually through 2024 with an option for an additional year.
Mbappé informed PSG in June 2023 that he would not extend his contract, leading to a high-profile transfer standoff. PSG opted to leave him out of a preseason tour and train with less prominent players. Although PSG sought to sell Mbappé rather than lose him for free, he declined a 300 million euro offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
PSG initially excluded Mbappé from their opening league match but later reinstated him following what they described as “constructive and positive talks.”
