The case was brought before the French labor court earlier this week, though Mbappe was not directly present.

Initially, the French forward claimed PSG owed him 63 million USD. However, a new lawsuit has increased this demand to 300 million USD. Mbappe argues that his fixed-term contract should be reclassified as a long-term agreement. This reclassification, he contends, would entitle him to compensation for wrongful termination, unpaid salaries and bonuses, and severance pay.

The 26-year-old also accuses PSG of violating its obligations regarding safety and good faith, delaying payments, and causing moral damage. This includes his exclusion from the first-team squad during a period of the 2023-2024 preseason.

Mbappe's representatives stated, "He is only asking for what the law stipulates for all employees. Mbappe is not demanding anything beyond his legal rights."

Mbappe playing for PSG in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Dortmund at Parc des Princes, Paris, France on the evening of 7/5/2024. Photo: Reuters

PSG not only rejected Mbappe's demands but also counter-sued him for nearly 510 million USD. This includes 208 million USD for lost transfer opportunities, following Mbappe's free transfer departure and his refusal of a 330 million USD offer from Al Hilal in summer 2023.

PSG also seeks compensation for damage to its image and a lack of good faith during contract negotiations and execution. The club alleges that the 2018 World Cup winner concealed his decision not to activate his extension clause for nearly one year.

The Parc des Princes club claims that in summer 2023, an oral agreement was reached for Mbappe to waive certain bonuses in exchange for returning to the first team. However, Mbappe's side asserts that PSG lacks any evidence for this alleged agreement.

Mbappe developed at Monaco before transferring to PSG in summer 2017. In his seven years with the Parisian club, he set a club scoring record with 256 goals and won 15 titles.

Tensions arose when Mbappe refused to extend his contract, entering his final season under the previous agreement. This situation concerned PSG, which feared losing its star player for free. In summer 2023, he was excluded from the Asia tour and trained with a group of players deemed outside the team's plans.

Despite being reinstated to play shortly after and featuring in over 94% of matches during the 2023-2024 season, Mbappe considers his isolation and the pressure exerted on him as a form of mental harassment.

PSG denies these accusations, maintaining that all professional decisions were made by the coach and that the working environment complied with professional football regulations.

PSG President Al-Khelaifi and Mbappe announce a new contract effective until 2025 at Parc des Princes before the match against Metz in the final round of Ligue 1 on 21/5/2022. Photo: psg.fr

In summer 2024, the French forward controversially refused to extend his contract with PSG, moving to Real as a free agent. PSG felt betrayed, especially after having offered him the most expensive contract in the club's history in 2022.

The court is expected to issue a ruling next month. With financial demands exceeding half a billion USD from both sides, this could become one of the largest lawsuits in football history.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN)