Kylian Mbappé, the world-famous French footballer now playing for Real Madrid, recently made headlines when he dropped his criminal complaint accusing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of "moral harassment" and extortion. However, he continues to pursue a €55 million claim in France’s labor courts. Here's what happened—and why it matters.
What Did Mbappé Do?
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In late June 2025, Mbappé filed a complaint in a Paris criminal court against PSG. He accused the club of harassing him—officially described as "lofting", which means isolating or sidelining a player from the main squad—as well as extortion over unpaid wages and bonuses totaling €55 million.
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The complaint came after PSG reportedly left him out of training and team selections during the 2023–24 season, following his refusal to extend his contract, which frustrated both the club and Mbappé.
What Happened Next?
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Just before PSG and Real Madrid were set to meet in the Club World Cup semi‑final on July 7, 2025, Mbappé withdrew his criminal complaint, surprising many.
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He did not drop his demand for the €55 million in wages. Instead, he moved that part of his fight into the labor court (Conseil de Prud’hommes), where similar cases are handled.
Why Did He Drop the Criminal Case?
Although Mbappé’s team hasn't released a full official statement, journalists and legal experts have noted a few possible reasons:
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Separation of legal routes:
– Criminal court is for harassment/extortion, requiring proof of wrongdoing.
– Labor court focuses on unpaid wages and often deals with contract or payment disputes. -
Strategic timing:
– Dropping the criminal case right before the PSG fixture suggests Mbappé may want to avoid the legal issue overshadowing the match or rekindling tension. -
Better focus on payment dispute:
– He might believe that pursuing his wage claim through the labor court gives him a clearer, stronger route based on employment law and contract terms.
What Are the Legal Paths Remaining?
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Labor court claim (€55 million): Mbappé’s team continues to assert he’s owed the money for wages and bonuses from late in his PSG contract. This dispute may take time but could result in payment or a settlement.
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Criminal complaint (dropped): Now closed, this path is no longer active. PSG cannot face criminal charges in this case.
What Do the Experts Say?
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Sports law analysts say labor courts in France are often more reliable for wage disputes, especially for top players whose terms are clearly defined.
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Football commentators see the move as a way to remove fuel from the ongoing conflict. One writer from AS USA called it a “surprising twist”, noting that Mbappé’s decision “cooled slightly the friction” between him and PSG.
Why This Matters
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Football consequences: The shift means Mbappé won't be criminally prosecuted or have PSG face criminal investigation for harassment. His chance to collect the unpaid money remains alive.
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Broader impact: This is a high-profile legal drama in European football. It highlights how top players and big clubs can use both criminal and labor laws in disputes.
Final Perspective
Kylian Mbappé’s decision to drop the criminal portion of his complaint seems strategic. It stops any criminal escalation and focuses his fight on what he says he’s owed—wages and bonuses—via the labor court, where outcomes can be more predictable and enforceable. This doesn't mean he lost; instead, he appears to be choosing the most direct path to get the money he's asking for, while avoiding extra controversy or distraction.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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