The public airing of discontent from the French striker has become a focal point as a new sponsorship push unfolds. In recent days, Mbappe has voiced clear objections to how his likeness is being used in a refreshed subscription campaign launched by Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting a rift between the player and the club’s commercial plans.
Within the context of PSG’s ongoing efforts to boost engagement ahead of the upcoming season, the organization released a promotional video designed to introduce the club’s subscription model. The clip centers on the French star, yet notably omits other marquee names such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. Mbappe publicly criticized the video on social media, stating that he was not consulted about the content prior to its release and that the final cut did not reflect his understanding of how his image should be deployed in club marketing efforts. He made it clear that his stance rests on principles of personal image rights and consent, arguing that the video should have represented a more accurate depiction of his involvement with the club on marketing days.
Mbappe’s statement
“I only just saw the club’s re-registration campaign for the 2023-2024 season. I was not kept informed about the content at any point. When I saw it, it resembled a basic interview produced for a club marketing event. I do not agree with this published video. That is why I am asserting my rights over my image. Paris Saint-Germain is a great club and a big family, but it certainly does not reflect Kylian Saint-Germain.”
A new anger at the club’s management
It is worth recalling that part of the agreement when Mbappe extended his contract with PSG included rights over his image and a commitment to be notified when his likeness would appear in club events or campaigns. The latest release, however, has reignited tensions between the player and the club’s leadership over how these rights are exercised and communicated to the public.
PSG publicly surfaced the video to launch its subscription drive, a move critics say underscores ongoing friction within the organization’s approach to star power and branding. The public dispute has intensified ongoing debates about Mbappe’s future with the team, with some observers suggesting that this rift could influence his long-term role at the club. For some, this episode marks another chapter in a relationship characterized by public disagreements and strategic disagreements about branding and consent.
The situation continues to unfold as supporters, analysts, and team insiders watch closely to see how PSG will navigate the delicate balance between marketing ambitions and player rights. The incident has already prompted broader discussions about how top players are represented in club campaigns, the level of input they should have, and the potential implications for team cohesion and future decisions about player contracts and branding governance.
Note: This summary references public statements and promotional actions reported by reliable outlets, with attribution to Goal for the original reporting.