When Kylian Mbappé joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017, it appeared to be a dream partnership. PSG brought the French prodigy on loan from Monaco with a commitment to purchase him for €180 million (around $211 million). At the time, Mbappé became the most expensive teenage transfer and the second-highest transfer ever. He returned to France with immense promise.

Mbappé’s potential quickly translated into remarkable on-field achievements. Over 308 matches with PSG, spanning Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, and other competitions, he scored 256 goals and provided 110 assists. His impressive performances and growing popularity even landed him the cover of FIFA 21. In a more whimsical turn of events, he also became a godfather to two baby pandas in 2021.

However, the relationship between Mbappé and PSG eventually deteriorated. Despite a record-breaking contract extension in 2022, he declined to renew his contract the following year and joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024. Recently, a Paris labor court ruled that PSG owes Mbappé $70 million (€60 million) for unpaid wages during his final three months and for withheld ethics and signing bonuses.

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Both parties are seeking substantial financial settlements. Mbappé and his legal team claim PSG owes over $305 million (€260 million), citing issues like ‘psychological harassment,’ while PSG is pursuing nearly $517 million (€440 million) from Mbappé, alleging damages and a “loss of opportunity” from his free transfer. PSG’s demand exceeds double its initial investment in Mbappé.

The club argues that Mbappé reneged on an August 2023 agreement, which purportedly offered him two choices: extend his contract to facilitate a sale or depart for free while relinquishing financial claims. PSG contends that from July 2022 to June 2023, Mbappé kept them uninformed of his plans, leaving the club with insufficient time to negotiate a transfer.

In contrast, Mbappé and his legal team assert that no such agreement was ever in place, defending their stance against PSG’s claims.

The Conseil de prud’hommes de Paris heard arguments from both sides but ultimately ruled in favor of Mbappé. This ruling can be appealed, so PSG will likely look to get another decision down the road.

Mbappé left PSG as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. He may also leave the club with a significant hole in its wallet by the time this all gets sorted out.