In a stunning legal verdict, French football superstar Kylian Mbappe has been awarded a staggering £52.5 million (60 million euros) in damages from his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. The ruling was delivered by a Parisian labour court on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, marking a significant moment in the world of elite sports contracts.
The Core of the Contractual Dispute
The case centred on PSG's failure to fulfil its financial obligations to the player during the final months of his contract in 2024. The court heard that the club had withheld three months of Mbappe's salary between April and June 2024. Furthermore, PSG was found to have failed to pay an ethics bonus and a signing-on fee that were stipulated in his agreement.
While Mbappe's legal team had initially sought a colossal £231.5 million, citing alleged ill-treatment, the court awarded a sum representing just over a fifth of that claim. Reports indicate that the majority of the £52.5 million judgement is comprised of the unpaid bonuses, rather than the outstanding salary.
Statements from Both Sides
Mbappe's representatives welcomed the decision, framing it as a victory for contractual law in professional football. "This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honoured," his legal team stated. "It restores a simple truth: even in the professional football industry, labour law applies to everyone. Mr Mbappe, for his part, scrupulously respected his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years, right up to the final day."
Paris Saint-Germain, while stating it would execute the judgement, has not ruled out an appeal. The club released a statement reading: "Paris St-Germain takes note of the judgement pronounced by the Paris Labour Court, which it will execute, while reserving the right to appeal. Paris St-Germain has always acted in good faith and with integrity, and will continue to do so." The club added it was now looking to the future and wished the player well in his career.
Unique Sanction and Broader Context
In a unique additional sanction, the labour court ordered PSG to publish the full text of the judgement on the front page of its official website for one month. This public shaming element underscores the court's view of the severity of the breach.
The dispute has its roots in the tumultuous summer of 2023, when PSG attempted to orchestrate a £263 million transfer of Mbappe to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. The French international refused the move, ultimately seeing out his contract and joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. PSG had reportedly sought compensation from the player for the collapsed transfer, a claim that formed part of the backdrop to this legal battle.
Mbappe's seven-year stint at PSG, which began with a £166 million move from Monaco in 2018, was phenomenally successful on the pitch. He scored 256 goals, provided 110 assists, and won six Ligue 1 titles. Since moving to the Bernabeu, he has continued his prolific form, netting 17 La Liga goals in 17 appearances this season (2025/26) as Real Madrid chase down rivals Barcelona.
This landmark ruling sends a powerful message to football clubs worldwide regarding the enforceability of standard employment law within the unique ecosystem of multi-million pound player contracts.
