Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s star, withdrew accusations of moral harassment and attempted extortion against a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) employee on Monday (7), just before the clubs’ clash in the 2025 Club World Cup semifinal. The decision, reported by French newspaper L’Équipe, took place in Rio de Janeiro, where the player is preparing for the match set for Wednesday (9) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The complaint, filed in June 2024, targeted an unidentified PSG staff member and was dropped by Mbappé’s representatives without disclosing reasons. The case, which also involved alleged pressure for contract renewal, does not affect another ongoing legal battle: the player is claiming 55 million euros (about $350 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses from the French club. This partial resolution of off-field tensions puts Mbappé in the spotlight for his reunion with his former club in a match that promises to be a tournament highlight.
The withdrawal comes at a strategic moment, with the striker aiming to stay focused on his performance. During his time at PSG from 2017 to 2024, Mbappé faced friction, particularly in 2023, when he was briefly sidelined from the main squad. He claimed the club tried to force a contract extension, set to expire in 2024. While the harassment allegations have been dropped, the financial dispute remains active, with hearings scheduled for the coming months.
Now 26, Mbappé is a key figure for Real Madrid, leading the attack alongside Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. His preparation for the Club World Cup has been closely watched, especially after overcoming a stomach issue that sidelined him in earlier tournament matches. The semifinal against PSG, where he scored 256 goals and became the club’s all-time top scorer, will be a defining moment in his career.
- Key points of the case:
- Harassment and extortion accusation against a PSG employee was dropped on July 7, 2025.
- Initial complaint filed in June 2024, involving contract renewal pressure.
- Mbappé is claiming 55 million euros in unpaid wages and bonuses from PSG.
- Decision comes ahead of the Club World Cup clash on July 9.
History of tensions with PSG
Mbappé’s relationship with Paris Saint-Germain was marked by ups and downs. When he signed his last contract extension in 2022, he was presented with a jersey stamped “2025,” suggesting a long-term commitment. However, the deal was valid only until 2024, with an option for an extra year, causing frustration. In June 2023, Mbappé announced he would not extend, sparking tensions with the club’s board.
PSG responded harshly, excluding him from the pre-season tour in Japan and South Korea and relegating him to train with players deemed “surplus” in an area called the “loft.” This tactic, common in French clubs, pressures players into transfers or renewals. Mbappé resisted, rejecting a 300-million-euro offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, and left for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024.
Details of the financial dispute
The 55-million-euro legal battle is the main unresolved issue between Mbappé and PSG. The amount covers three months of unpaid wages and a loyalty bonus the player claims he is owed. In October 2024, the French Professional Football League (LFP) ruled in Mbappé’s favor, ordering PSG to pay. The club, deeming the decision “non-binding,” appealed, arguing Mbappé breached verbal agreements by leaving without a transfer fee.
The player’s legal team, led by lawyer Delphine Verheyden, escalated the case in April 2025, securing a freeze on PSG’s accounts equivalent to the disputed sum. A hearing is set for May 26, 2026, but the case may drag on. French labor law experts note that local regulations favor salary payments, strengthening Mbappé’s position.
- Financial dispute highlights:
- 55 million euros cover three months of wages and a loyalty bonus.
- LFP ruled for Mbappé in October 2024; PSG appealed.
- PSG’s accounts were frozen in April 2025 as a precautionary measure.
Club World Cup semifinal
The Real Madrid vs. PSG match, scheduled for July 9 at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), is a highly anticipated moment in the 2025 Club World Cup. Organized by FIFA, the tournament features top global clubs, and the MetLife Stadium clash carries special weight for Mbappé. Having scored three goals in the competition, including one in a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, the recovered striker is ready to lead Real Madrid’s attack.
Coached by Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid enters the semifinal with a star-studded squad and recent titles like the 2024 UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. PSG, under Luis Enrique, is in historic form after winning its first Champions League in 2024. The rivalry, intensified by Mbappé’s transfer, promises a spectacle on and off the pitch.
Reunion with former teammates
Mbappé will face old allies like Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi in a match blending sporting rivalry and personal narrative. During his seven years at PSG, he won six Ligue 1 titles and four French Cups, but the Champions League eluded him. His move to Real Madrid in June 2024, hailed as a dream come true, drew boos from PSG fans in his final Parc des Princes game.
Known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct, Mbappé has thrived at Real Madrid, netting 44 goals and providing five assists in 58 matches. In the Club World Cup, his performance against PSG will be under scrutiny, especially after resolving part of his legal disputes.
Refereeing and match preparations
FIFA announced referees for the Club World Cup semifinals, but the official for Real Madrid vs. PSG remains unconfirmed. The tournament has faced criticism, notably from Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovač, who questioned pitch quality and U.S. weather conditions. Both clubs, however, are focused, with light training planned for the eve of the match.
Real Madrid expects strong fan support at the 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium. PSG, banking on its youthful squad and Luis Enrique’s experience, aims to upset the favored Merengues. The other semifinal, Chelsea vs. Fluminense, will determine the finalist, set for July 13.
Mbappé’s performance at Real Madrid
Since joining Real Madrid, Mbappé has impressed with his quick adaptation and immediate impact. In January 2025, he was named La Liga’s Player of the Month after scoring five goals in league matches. In the Club World Cup, his goal against Borussia Dortmund secured a semifinal spot, cementing his role as the attack’s leader.
He also made history by scoring his first career free-kick goal in April 2025 during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Despite a 3-2 loss, the moment showcased his technical growth. With 50 goals for France, Mbappé remains a global football icon, chasing more silverware with Real Madrid.
Match expectations
The Club World Cup semifinal pits two European giants with intertwined histories through Mbappé. Real Madrid, the record Champions League winner, faces a PSG at its international peak. Mbappé’s presence adds drama, offering him a chance to shine against the club that launched his career.
The game will test both coaches’ strategies. Ancelotti, adept at managing star-heavy squads, will leverage Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.’s speed to break PSG’s defense. Luis Enrique’s collective, high-intensity approach, led by Dembélé, aims to neutralize Real’s attack. Fans expect a balanced, goal-filled contest.