Kylian Mbappe, France captain and Real Madrid forward, is seeking 263 million euros (£231.5m) from former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a labour court in Paris hears the latest stage of their long-running contractual dispute.

The 26-year-old striker, who joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 and became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, is claiming this sum as damages, including 55 million euros (£46.3m) in unpaid wages. PSG, however, are demanding 240 million euros (£211m) in compensation, citing Mbappe’s aborted 300m-euro transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in 2023.

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Background of the Dispute

The conflict began in July 2023, when Mbappe refused a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League and declined to sign a contract extension with PSG. He alleges that the French champions sidelined him in response: he was excluded from the pre-season tour of Asia and missed the club’s first match of the season.

PSG, in contrast, claim Mbappe had agreed to forgo some end-of-contract payments to protect the club’s finances. Mbappe’s representatives have rejected this explanation, calling it “fantasy”, and maintain that the player is still owed salary and bonus payments.

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PSG’s Claims Against Mbappe

Following Monday’s hearing, PSG stated they were seeking recognition of the significant damages suffered by the club due to Mbappe’s alleged breaches of contract. The club argue that the striker acted disloyally by concealing, for nearly 11 months, his decision not to extend his contract, from July 2022 to June 2023.

PSG emphasized that Mbappe benefited from exceptional conditions during his seven-year tenure and denied any claims of harassment or pressure. During his time at the Ligue 1 club, Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 appearances, helping PSG secure 15 trophies, including domestic league titles and cups.

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Current Proceedings

The tribunal is not expected to issue a ruling for several weeks. Mbappe’s claim is the culmination of a long dispute over unpaid wages and contract disputes, which initially went through French football’s governing bodies before escalating to the courts.

The Real Madrid striker’s legal team is arguing for the full sum owed as a result of perceived mistreatment and contractual breaches, while PSG maintain that they suffered financial and reputational losses due to Mbappe’s actions.

This high-profile case highlights ongoing tensions between players and clubs over contracts, transfers, and financial obligations, and will be closely followed by football fans and legal observers worldwide.