Table of Contents
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has filed a lawsuit against his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), accusing them of “moral harassment” and demanding €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses.
According to French media reports, Mbappé alleges that PSG deliberately isolated him from the first team during the 2023–24 season as retaliation for his refusal to extend his contract. The legal complaint, filed in May, claims this treatment—known in France as “lofting”—was intended to pressure him into signing a new deal.
Details of the Complaint
Allegations: Mbappé claims PSG excluded him from first-team activities, trained him separately, and used emotional pressure to force a contract extension.
Financial Dispute: He is seeking €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, which he says were withheld despite verbal assurances from the club.
Investigation: French authorities have opened a judicial investigation into the claims, with two judges assigned to the case.
PSG’s Response
PSG denies the accusations, claiming Mbappé had agreed to forgo the bonuses as part of his free transfer to Real Madrid. Mbappé’s legal team refutes this, stating there is no written or formal evidence of such an agreement.
Why This Matters
The case could have broad implications for player rights and labor practices in professional football. The French players’ union (UNFP) has previously criticized the “lofting” tactic as a form of psychological coercion.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer after scoring 256 goals for PSG, left the club amid strained relations. The lawsuit adds a dramatic new chapter to the ongoing tension between the player and his former employers.
Quote
“Mbappé is denouncing the ‘lofting’ he was subjected to at PSG,” said a source from the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Bottom Line:
Mbappé’s lawsuit could reshape how elite clubs handle contract disputes and player treatment. With legal proceedings now underway, PSG faces both reputational and financial challenges off the pitch.
