Secrets revealed regarding Mbappé row with PSG

The relationship between Kylian Mbappé and PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi began to deteriorate in June 2023, when Mbappé sent an official letter to the club, notifying them that he would not renew his contract.

This decision culminated a year later with his transfer to Real Madrid, despite Al Khelaïfi‘s persistent attempts to retain him. According to L’Équipe, which covered the story in detail, multiple clashes unfolded between the two, intensifying after Mbappé claimed €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses from PSG.

The conflict dates back to February, when Mbappé privately informed Al Khelaïfi he would not sign a new contract. Reportedly, Al Khelaïfi, unaccustomed to refusals, warned Mbappé that he would not allow him to join Real Madrid—a statement that left the French striker amused.

PSG tried to limit Mbappé‘s role on the pitch

Al Khelaïfi subsequently tried to limit Mbappé‘s playing time, instructing coach Luis Enrique to cut his minutes to prepare the team for life without him. However, Enrique‘s response was mixed; while he reduced Mbappé’s time on the field, he did not fully comply with the president’s directive.

Further tensions arose around a contractual agreement in August, under which Mbappé had agreed to forfeit €55 million in bonuses and wages. Al Khelaïfi reminded Mbappé of this obligation, which only fueled the player’s frustration, particularly after he refused an invitation from Al Khelaïfi to meet privately at his home—a setting that brought back memories of the intense pressure he felt in 2022, when the president tried to prevent his transfer to Madrid.

In May, during PSG’s final Ligue 1 game—a 1-3 loss to Toulouse—another dispute erupted. Al Khelaïfi reportedly instructed Luis Enrique not to field Mbappé’s younger brother, Ethan, causing distress for Kylian, who found his brother crying in the locker room. In a tense exchange, Mbappé reminded Al Khelaïfi he would not overlook the €55 million the club owed him, which had initially been waived.

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When Mbappé later bid farewell to PSG on social media, he pointedly omitted any mention of Al Khelaïfi, while thanking the club’s employees who had supported him over his seven years in Paris.

This omission reportedly infuriated Al Khelaïfi, who had hoped that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez would assume responsibility for the €55 million dispute. The series of conflicts between Mbappé and Al Khelaïfi led to an irreparable break, ending their relationship on a sour note.