Published on Jun 26, 2025
Kylian Mbappé has taken legal action against his former club Paris Saint Germain (PSG), filing a formal criminal complaint accusing them of moral harassment, coercion, and attempted extortion. The move intensifies the already sour relationship between the player and the club following his high-profile exit to Real Madrid.
The complaint, filed on May 16, 2025, is now under official judicial investigation by French prosecutors. Mbappé alleges that PSG deliberately subjected him to psychological pressure during the 2023–24 season, particularly after he refused to extend his contract.
According to the filing, PSG removed Mbappé from the first-team environment and placed him in the “loft,” a training group for unwanted or out-of-favor players. The tactic, Mbappé argues, was used as punishment and psychological coercion to pressure him into extending his deal.
The French players' union, UNFP, has long criticized this practice, calling it illegal and dehumanizing. Mbappé’s legal team now seeks to hold PSG accountable for what they describe as “moral harassment” in the workplace.
Mbappé claims that PSG forced him to sign a modified agreement in August 2023 in exchange for rejoining the first team. The complaint argues that the decision to isolate him and withhold access to regular training constituted an abuse of power and a breach of professional dignity.
The issue may set a precedent in European football, as few players have legally challenged the now-common tactic of “lofting” – where clubs isolate players as a negotiation tool.
The legal battle also includes a massive €55 million wage and bonus dispute, with Mbappé alleging that PSG withheld compensation as punishment for his decision not to renew his contract. In response, Mbappé's lawyers successfully froze assets from PSG accounts as part of a broader civil suit.
While PSG has claimed the financial arrangements were agreed upon privately, Mbappé’s side insists that any verbal waivers are unenforceable, especially under duress.
As of now, PSG has declined to publicly comment on the criminal complaint. Previous statements have focused on resolving the financial dispute through formal labor arbitration, not criminal court. However, the severity of the charges—and the fact that two investigative judges have been appointed—adds significant pressure on the Ligue 1 champions.
This case could reshape how clubs manage out-of-contract players. If Mbappé’s claim succeeds, it may challenge the legality of isolating players as a negotiation tactic and reinforce protections for athletes’ rights under labor law.
UEFA and FIFPRO, the global players’ union, are reportedly monitoring the case due to its potential impact on transfer practices and wage compliance across European football.
Kylian Mbappé’s legal war with PSG goes beyond unpaid wages. It is a fight over dignity, labor rights, and the unchecked power clubs sometimes wield over players. As the investigation unfolds, it could mark a turning point in the way top clubs manage contract disputes, particularly when the player in question is one of the sport’s biggest global icons.
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