PARIS, France (AFP)—A high-stakes legal battle has erupted between French football star Kylian Mbappe and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with both parties filing multi-million euro claims against each other. Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, is seeking 263 million euros ($305 million) from PSG, alleging mistreatment and contractual disputes during his final months at the club. PSG, in turn, has countersued the 26-year-old forward for 240 million euros, citing financial losses from a failed 300 million euro transfer deal with Saudi club Al Hilal, which Mbappe rejected.
The dispute traces back to June 2023, when Mbappe filed a complaint against PSG, accusing the Qatari-owned club of sidelining him at the start of the 2023-24 season. He claims he was forced to train with players the club was looking to offload after he declined to renew his contract. This practice, which has affected other players, prompted the French players’ union to file a complaint last year.
Mbappe’s exclusion extended to PSG’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia, and he missed the first game of the season. However, he was later reinstated following discussions with the club. After seven prolific seasons with PSG, where he scored 256 goals in 308 games, Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, reportedly earning an annual salary of 30 million euros. Interestingly, PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.