Kylian Mbappé has won a significant legal battle against Paris St-Germain, with a French court ordering the European champions to pay the former striker €60 million (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and contractual bonuses. The ruling marks a major milestone in a protracted dispute between the forward and his former club.

The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward had originally sought €263 million (£231.5m) in damages, citing unpaid wages and alleged mistreatment during the final years of his PSG contract. Meanwhile, the French club had counter-sued, claiming €240 million (£211m) in compensation linked to Mbappé’s failed 2023 transfer to Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Court Recognises Unpaid Salary and Bonuses

The Paris Labour Court’s ruling on Tuesday confirmed that PSG failed to pay Mbappé for three months of his salary from April to June 2024, alongside contractual bonuses, including an ethics bonus and part of his signing-on bonus.

Most of the awarded sum relates to bonuses rather than regular wages, highlighting the complex structure of elite football contracts. Mbappé’s legal team welcomed the ruling.

“This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honoured. It restores a simple truth: even in the professional football industry, labour law applies to everyone,” said Mbappé’s lawyer, Frederique Cassereau.

The statement added that Mbappé had scrupulously respected his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years at PSG, right up until his departure.

PSG’s Response

While acknowledging the court decision, PSG have left open the possibility of an appeal.

“Paris St-Germain takes note of the judgement pronounced by the Paris Labour Court, which it will execute, while reserving the right to appeal,” the club said. “PSG has always acted in good faith and with integrity. The club is now looking to the future, based on unity and collective success, and wishes the player the best for the rest of his career.”

The club’s counter-claims primarily revolved around Mbappé allegedly acting “disloyally” by not extending his contract and failing to pursue a potential €300 million move to Al-Hilal in 2023. PSG also argued that the forward had verbally agreed to forgo some bonuses during his final season.

Mbappé’s Departure and PSG Career

Mbappé joined PSG in 2017, initially on loan from Monaco before making the move permanent. During his seven seasons in Paris, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting 256 goals in 308 games, and helped PSG win 15 trophies. His final season saw him score 44 goals in 48 matches, demonstrating his consistency and world-class quality.

After refusing to extend his contract and turning down a lucrative Saudi move, Mbappé completed a free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024, where he continues to star at the highest level.

Legal Battle Reaches Major Milestone

Tuesday’s ruling resolves a portion of a long-running legal conflict that began over unpaid wages, bonuses, and contractual disputes. While Mbappé had initially claimed €260 million, the court granted slightly over a fifth of his original claim. PSG’s counter-claims were fully rejected.

The court ruling requires PSG to pay Mbappé the third instalment of his signing-on bonus, his salary for the final three months of the 2023–24 season, and paid leave allowance. PSG must also display the decision prominently on their website for a month.

Analysts describe this ruling as a key precedent in football labour law, reinforcing that professional clubs are legally accountable for contractual obligations regardless of a player’s elite status.