Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar now playing for Real Madrid, has filed a legal complaint against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), alleging "moral harassment." The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the filing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the player and the club.
The heart of Mbappé's complaint revolves around his treatment by PSG during the summer of 2023, after he informed the club that he would not be extending his contract. Mbappé claims he was subsequently sidelined and subjected to what is known in French football as "lofting." This practice involves isolating a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons, effectively pressuring them to either sign a new contract or accept a transfer.
Specifically, Mbappé was excluded from PSG's preseason tour to Japan and South Korea and forced to train with fringe players. He was also left out of the opening league game of the season. Mbappé's legal team argues that this treatment was a deliberate attempt by PSG to coerce him into signing a new contract, which they equate to psychological pressure and even "attempted extortion of a signature."
The complaint filed on May 16, 2025, has resulted in the assignment of two investigating magistrates to the case, with the investigation formally opened on Tuesday.
Beyond the allegations of moral harassment, Mbappé is also embroiled in a financial dispute with PSG, seeking €55 million (approximately $61 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses. Mbappé's legal team had previously taken action to seize this amount from PSG's bank accounts, but legal authorities have since ordered the release of that seizure. This financial aspect of the dispute is expected to be pursued separately in the labor courts.
PSG contends that when Mbappé was sidelined, there was a verbal agreement that he would relinquish certain bonuses in order to return to the team. However, Mbappé's representatives deny the existence of any such agreement and demand proof.
Mbappé's departure from PSG to Real Madrid last summer was far from amicable. Despite scoring a club-record 256 goals in seven years with PSG and winning numerous titles, his relationship with the club soured, and he faced boos from some fans during his final home game. PSG management reportedly felt betrayed after offering Mbappé a lucrative contract extension in 2022, while Mbappé was allegedly frustrated by the club's failure to fulfill promises to sign key players.
The French players' union (UNFP) has also raised concerns about the use of "loft" groups across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, denouncing it as a widespread practice to pressure players into transfers or contract renewals. Former PSG women's team midfielder Kheira Hamraoui has also filed a harassment complaint against the club, alleging she was sidelined after an injury to force her departure.
Mbappé's legal team is pursuing multiple avenues to resolve the disputes, including appealing to UEFA and urging the French sports minister to intervene. They argue that PSG's actions may violate UEFA's salary obligations, potentially jeopardizing the club's Champions League license.
