According to L'Equipe on 7/7, Kylian Mbappe's lawyers withdrew his lawsuit against PSG for harassment and extortion. The lawsuit, filed on 16/5, led the Paris prosecutor's office to open a judicial investigation on 24/6, subsequently assigning the case to two judges.
 |
Mbappe volleys a goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal on 5/7, Real 3-2 Dortmund. Photo: AFP |
Mbappe volleys a goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal on 5/7, Real 3-2 Dortmund. Photo: AFP
In July 2023, Mbappe refused to extend his contract with PSG, aiming for a free transfer to Real Madrid the following year. PSG, believing the player had broken a promise, threatened to bench him for the 2023-2024 season. Thanks to coach Luis Enrique's intervention, the parties renegotiated, and Mbappe returned to the field. PSG's condition was that Mbappe forfeit his 44 million USD loyalty bonus.
According to the player and his lawyers, PSG's threat to bench Mbappe if he didn't renew his contract constituted harassment and extortion. In January 2024, the French Professional Footballers' Association reported on clubs pressuring players to sit out if they refused to stay or transfer according to the club's wishes. Mbappe was reportedly one such victim.
Mbappe's withdrawal of the lawsuit came just before the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal between Real Madrid and PSG on the evening of 9/7. This would be the 26-year-old forward's first encounter with his former club since his departure in the summer of 2024. The winner of this match would advance to the final against the victor of the Fluminense-Chelsea game.
Mbappe is still suing PSG for 60 million USD, which he claims is unpaid salary and bonuses from his final months with the club.
Mbappe played for PSG from 2017 to 2024, winning 15 team titles, six Ligue 1 top scorer awards, and setting a club record with 256 goals. However, after Mbappe's move to Real Madrid, PSG promptly won the Champions League, a title he never achieved with them. Last season, Mbappe and Real Madrid lost to Arsenal 1-5 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
Thanh Quy (according to L'Equipe)
