Record-breaking French soccer player Kylian Mbappé—the world’s third-highest paid athlete in terms of on- and off-field earnings—has opted not to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain F.C. that expires next June, the New York Times reported Monday—a move fresh off the heels of Lionel Messi’s incoming PSG exit.
In a letter to PSG, Mbappé said he will be leaving the French club next June, according to the Times, which cited an executive familiar with the discussions between the superstar and his team of five years.
PSG officials were reportedly surprised by the letter and became aware of it after French sports newspaper L’Equipe—which first reported the news—reached out to the team claiming to have a copy of the letter before it reached the club.
Mbappé’s time with PSG could potentially come to an end sooner if the club is able to find a team willing to offer a deal before next summer—one that would likely be historic in size given the 24-year-old’s talent and longevity.
$120 million. That’s how much Mbappé earned over the 12 months ending May 1, 2023, including $100 million in on-field earnings and $20 million in endorsements and other off-field income, according to Forbes’ estimates. He was the third-highest paid athlete over that period, just behind teammate Lionel Messi and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the latter of whom raked in $136 million.
Real Madrid is widely speculated as a potential landing point for Mbappé. PSG could allow Mbappé to play out the remainder of his contract, allowing him to leave on a free transfer next summer, but doing so would mean missing out on a large sum of cash if such a move comes to materialize. Real Madrid’s rejected bid from last year, which would have made Mbappé the highest-paid player in its history, shows the club could potentially pitch a transfer deal to PSG before his contract ends.
Mbappé’s role with PSG and his future beyond the team has been in flux before. Last year, the forward was offered a lucrative contract by one of Spain’s top teams, Real Madrid, which ranks No. 1 in Forbes’ estimates of the world’s most valuable soccer teams. The offer included a near $140 million signing bonus and a net salary of more than $26 million every season. However, PSG was able to retain their prodigal talent through a new two-year contract.
Kylian Mbappé Tells P.S.G. He Will Leave Club Next Summer (The New York Times)
Kylian Mbappe shocks PSG, says he won’t extend contract (CBS)
