Kylian Mbappé (27, Real Madrid) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the protagonists of a breakup entangled with love, betrayal, and ultimately unresolved financial issues, are back on the same stage. This time as adversaries, and on a stage that captures the world's attention.
'The Athletic' reported on the 9th (Korean time) that "the breakup between PSG and Mbappé was not merely a contract expiration, but a complex disaster involving politics, economics, and emotions," highlighting the club World Cup semifinal where both sides meet again.
At 4 a.m. on the 10th, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal will be held at MetLife Stadium in the United States. Now with Real Madrid, Mbappé faces PSG. Having recently showcased his presence with an acrobatic goal against Borussia Dortmund, while he has not yet started, there is a high possibility he will appear in some capacity in this match against PSG.
This matchup is far more than just 'a game against his former team'; the emotions and interests entangled in it are incredibly complex. A superstar who scored 256 goals in a PSG uniform and led the league to six championships as captain. However, leaving the team without lifting the Champions League trophy, he is still embroiled in legal disputes with PSG over millions of euros in unpaid bonuses. The emotional separation, economic lawsuits, and political involvement mean the 'divorce' between Mbappé and PSG is not yet over.
Mbappé's move to Real Madrid seemed like a foregone conclusion. His childhood room had a poster of Cristiano Ronaldo, and after making a splash at Monaco in the 2016-2017 season, he caught the attention of not only big clubs in England like Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool but also Madrid.
In 2017, Mbappé chose PSG over Real. PSG, which shocked the world by signing Neymar, soon brought Mbappé on a one-year loan followed by a permanent transfer for €180 million. He subsequently became a key player in France's World Cup-winning team and established himself as a star.
Real's interest did not fade. Fans believed that he would eventually wear the Santiago Bernabéu jersey. In 2021, as his contract with PSG neared expiration, PSG offered him two contract renewal proposals, both of which he rejected. Real made an offer of €160 million (about 258 billion won) and subsequently €180 million (about 290 billion won), but PSG rejected them all. The reason left was simple: "There is no time to find a replacement."
During this process, Spanish media poured out articles close to mockery. According to The Athletic, Spain's 'AS' synthesized Mbappé's face behind prison bars, while 'El Chiringuito' placed his face on a countdown clock to solidify his move to Real. However, PSG held firm, and Mbappé played alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi in the 2021-2022 season.
“Political intervention” … a strange collaboration created by politics and money
In the summer of 2022, when everyone believed he would move to Real as a free agent, PSG mounted an astonishing counterattack. He signed a contract for a two-year renewal with an option for one year until 2024. At the announcement event, he held up a jersey with '2025' instead of a number, but this was not just a simple extension contract; it was the outcome of negotiations that included terms he could not refuse.
PSG promised him an annual net income of €33.3 million (about 53.2 billion won) and bonuses totaling €82.6 million (about 133.2 billion won). If the option is triggered, an additional net bonus of €24.4 million (about 39.3 billion won) and a royalty bonus of €55 million (about 88.7 billion won) will be paid. Even French President Emmanuel Macron personally called him to request, "Please stay for France." His mother stated, "I wished my son to leave, but he made the final decision."
The real problem is the transfer aftermath
The Athletic explained that "in the summer of 2023, Mbappé officially notified PSG that he would not activate the option, meaning he would become a free agent in the summer of 2024. PSG was furious. Accepting a proposal from Saudi club Al-Hilal worth €300 million (about 483.7 billion won), they took the extreme measure of excluding Mbappé from the Japan tour squad, sending him to 'Loft (release waiting team).'"
Mbappé rejected the move to Saudi Arabia. His gaze remained fixed on Madrid. The Athletic reported that "PSG and Mbappé chose a truce. In mid-August, after meeting with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and coach Luis Enrique, Mbappé returned to the first team." According to reports at the time, it was believed that an agreement was reached to reduce the bonus amount slightly, but no documents were signed.
Ultimately, he left PSG for Real Madrid at the end of the 2023-2024 season. However, unresolved issues remain. According to reports, Mbappé filed a lawsuit demanding the return of €55 million in unpaid bonuses from PSG, while PSG countered with a lawsuit claiming €98 million in damages due to the failed transfer.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) initially sided with Mbappé but later withdrew its position citing ongoing civil litigation.
Mbappé vs. PSG, the fight is not over yet
The case may now head to the French labor court. The Athletic reported that "Mbappé temporarily filed a criminal lawsuit for 'moral harassment,' but withdrew it last May. However, PSG still claims damages of €98 million."
While both sides have taken a step back, it cannot be ruled out that negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes. Mbappé's father, Wilfried, was seen attending the Club World Cup match between PSG and Inter Miami last month with PSG officials.
In his first season, Mbappé scored 42 goals for Real Madrid, setting a record for the most goals by a newcomer. However, the team missed out on both the La Liga and Champions League titles, and Carlo Ancelotti left for the Brazilian national team.
On the other hand, PSG restructured the team under Luis Enrique with new faces such as Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, lifting their first Champions League trophy. No longer relying on a superstar's shadow, that is PSG's new path.
PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed pride in his team, stating, "We play as one team. Football is not an individual sport. Whether we have the ball or not, we must move as a team."
Once seen as 'the future of France' and 'the pride of PSG,' Mbappé now faces PSG as Madrid's ace. However, a lingering issue remains in his mind: the 'unpaid bonus of €55 million.'
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