In the summer of 2021, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was poised to assert its dominance in global soccer with a star-studded roster, including Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. With a combined payroll of nearly $430 million and substantial backing from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, PSG frequently dominated France’s league but had yet to secure the coveted Champions League title.
Despite generating over $1 billion in revenue during the two seasons featuring its star trio, PSG disappointingly exited the Champions League in consecutive round of 16 matches in 2022 and 2023. Ultimately, all three superstars left the club, paving the way for a rejuvenation strategy centered around younger talent.
In a surprising turn, PSG, now significantly younger with an average roster age of 25, reached the Champions League final in Munich just two years later. Under manager Luis Enrique, the focus shifted away from a star system to a more cohesive team dynamic. Analysts noted that having star players didn’t guarantee success, prompting a restructuring aimed at fostering teamwork and discipline.
Enrique’s recruitment of young players like Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, who excelled in the current season, exemplified this strategic pivot. Dembélé notably scored 21 domestic goals and found his form under Enrique’s guidance, further enhancing the team’s stability. The club’s management, shifting priorities, has moved away from obsessively chasing the Champions League, favoring a long-term project dedicated to developing talent through Parisian training programs.
As PSG navigated through the Champions League knockout stages with resilience, the club emerged as a serious contender for the trophy, aiming to finally achieve what previous teams could not. Ending this season successful would mark a historic achievement for PSG, establishing its enduring legacy in European soccer.
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